Unstoppable Simy Nwankwo Punishes Spezia, But Crotone Continue Awful Record

The Nigerian forward warned many of his increasing confidence in front of goal when he netted a brace against Napoli last weekend, and he punished Spezia for ignoring that warning on Saturday

In-form striker Simy Nwankwo found the back of the net yet again to give Crotone a priceless 2-1 lead, but it was not to end in joy as Spezia scored two late goals to win 3-2 at the Stadio Alberto Picco.

Crotone’s Koffi Djidji and Spezia’s Daniele Verde had traded goals on either side of the break as the visitors sought their first away win of the campaign.

And Simy believed he had handed the Sharks that elusive win when he found himself unmarked in the box to redirect Niccolo Zanellato’s cross past goalkeeper Ivan Provedel in the 78th minute.

It’s the 28-year-old’s 16th league goal of the season and his ninth strike in his last six matches, making him one of the most prolific strikers in Europe at the moment.

And moments after his strike, the Super Eagles star could have added an assist to his stats when he cut the opponent’s defence open with a through ball, but Provedel denied Sebastiano Luperto a certain goal.

Spezia made Serse Cosmi’s men pay for that miss when two late goals from Giulio Maggiore and Martin Erlic turned the tie around in the home side’s favour.

The defeat continued Crotone’s worst Serie A record, with the basement club now suffering 14 losses in their last 16 matches. They already boast the Italian top-flight’s worst defensive record in over 60 years. 

 Simy, however, continues to make himself attractive to suitors across Europe, despite his insistence that he desires to remain at Crotone.