Huge blow for Napoli as the length of Osimhen’s ban is confirmed

The Neapolitans were hoping their record-signing would be suspended for just one game, but they may have to wait until September 19 to see him back in action

It’s not good news for Napoli as they are set to be without their star striker Victor Osimhen for the huge clash against Juventus after the Nigerian striker was suspended for two games following the red card he received on Sunday.

Osimhen received a straight red card in Napoli’s opening Serie A match of the season against Venezia on Sunday night.

The Nigerian international was sent off in the 23rd minute of the match for shoving Venezia’s Daan Heymans as Napoli played a corner into the box.

Napoli had hoped that the striker would only miss the clash against Genoa this weekend as they believed it was not violent conduct.

However, Serie A disciplinary’s committee see the challenge which led to his dismissal as violent conduct and has subsequently banned him for two games.

It’s a disappointing outcome for the Nigerian as he’s the only player of all the seven players that saw red in the opening weekend to have his ban extended by one game.

In addition, Osimhen was also fined 5000 euros. The two-match ban means Osimhen will miss the clash against Genoa this week, but more importantly, the huge clash against Juventus after the international break next month.

However, according to Di Marzio, Napoli still plan to appeal, hoping they can reduce the ban to just one game. But should they fail in their appeal, it means Osimhen will miss both Serie A games against Juventus this season as he won’t be available for the second leg which is scheduled for January, due to Nigeria’s involvement in next year’s Africa Cup of Nations.