Legendary West Ham striker now a pundit at Sky Sport Italia, Paolo Di Canio has revealed that Napoli struggled in attack during their 3-1 defeat at the hands of AC Milan because of the absence of Victor Osimhen.
The Nigeria national teamer was not available for selection against the Rossoneri after dislocating his shoulder while on international duty with the Super Eagles ten days ago in Benin City.
AC Milan triumphed 3-1 thanks to a brace from Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Hauge's injury time effort, while Dries Mertens pulled a goal back in the 63rd minute.
Di Canio pointed out that Napoli strikers Mertens and Lorenzo Insigne were ineffective against AC Milan.
"The absence of Victor Osimhen was felt. The former Lille can make this team make the leap in quality," Di Canio said on Sky Sport Italia (via Area Napoli).
"Without Osimhen, Napoli makes embroidery with the little ones, Lorenzo Insigne and Dries Mertens, who have done these little concrete things with Milan ...
"The Nigerian can attack and pull the neck of the opponents. Osimhen, who has the desire to light the sacred fire: the one I don't see when he's not playing.
"It's difficult to change the character and attitudes of the players. They can't all become new Gennaro Gattuso, but something needs to be changed."
Prior to his spell on the sidelines, Osimhen was involved in three goals (2 goals, 1 assist) in six appearances in the Italian top-flight.
Igho Kingsley
Photo Credit : sscnapoli.it
Copyright ANS
All rights reserved. This material, and
other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced,
published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior
express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com
Udinese goalkeeping coach Alex Brunner has expressed confidence in Maduka Okoye’s ability to develop into a top-level goalkeeper despite the challenges the Nigerian international has faced away from...
Celtic coach Martin O’Neill has given a positive update on Kelechi Iheanacho, confirming that the Nigerian striker is available for selection ahead of the UEFA Europa League clash against Utrecht.Ih...
2023 Super Eagles invitee Gift Orban has been named the winner of the 22nd round of Cuore Gialloblù, Hellas Verona’s fan poll that allows supporters to vote via Instagram Stories for the player who...
Atalanta manager Raffaele Palladino has expressed confidence in Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman’s ability to quickly return to top form after his return from the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocc...
January 28, 2026
🍪 Cookie Preferences
We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience. Choose your preference:
Comments 0
Leave a Comment
No comments yet. Be the first to comment!