Osimhen silenced as Napoli slip further in Serie A title race

Napoli let an important three points slip at the Maradona against Roma

Victor Osimhen was on for 81 minutes as a Lorenzo Insigne 11th minute penalty was cancelled late on by AS Roma.

Partenopei started the livelier side as they threatened with their opening exchanges.

Mexican attacker, Hirving Lozano was caught on his heels in the box after outpacing Brazilian defender Roger Ibanez. The referee waved play on but was prompted by the Napoli players to check the VAR. He changed his decision afterwards and Insigne stepped up to take his 11th penalty of the season. It was the Italian’s eighth goal from the spot in the Serie A this season having missed three times.

Osimhen was largely quiet in the game as he was isolated against the Roma defense marshaled by former Manchester United defender, Chris Smalling.

Napoli record goal scorer, Dries Mertens replaced the Super Eagles attacker in the 81st minute.

Roma scored ten minutes after Osimhen’s withdrawal through Stephan El Shaarawy after a beautiful buildup ended up with a Tammy Abraham assist.

Napoli pushed for a winner but it was too late with Roma also looking to get one more to keep the chase on Juventus livelier.

The capital-based club have gone 12 games unbeaten as Spalleti wait for his first victory against Jose Mourinho.

Napoli are four points off the summit with 5 games to the end of the season. AC Milan currently sit top of the league with 71 points, two points ahead of Inter Milan who have a game in hand.