Il Partenopei were tipped to be among the title contenders at this stage of the season, but a terrible run of matches in April has seen the Neapolitans settle for a top-three finish
Former Juventus defender Pasquale Bruno has blasted Napoli players for not showing the same level of hunger, desire, and determination as Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen.
After playing some of the best football in Italy and leading the table for a large chunk of the campaign, Napoli's season will end in disappointment as Il Partenopei are out of the Serie A title and will once again go trophyless.
In terms of quality, Napoli boast some of the best players in the division: Senegal's Kalidou Koulibaly is an African champion and frequently named among the best defenders in the world. Fabian Ruiz is an excellent passer of the ball. Lorenzo Insigne is one of the most technically gifted playmakers in Italy. Victor Osimhen is a force of nature attracting advances from some of the biggest clubs on the planet.
But Torino FC Hall of Famer Pasquale Bruno is not impressed with their output – bar, Osimhen – for Napoli throughout the season.
Bruno chides Koulibaly for being too friendly with strikers and knocks captain Insigne for sealing a move to the MLS midway through the season.
However, the 59-year-old former centre-back, renowned for his tenacious style of play in his heyday, is impressed with Osimhen's total commitment to the Napoli cause.
“Napoli has only one real player, and he is Osimhen, the others none,” Bruno said (via Tutto Napoli).
“Koulibaly? No, he is a great defender, but he is too nice, he has no character, and he is never angry.
“Osimhen has thrown away his mask and demonstrates how to win, not like that kind of footballer who is on his way to Canada.”
Osimhen could be on his way out of Napoli this summer, with some of the biggest clubs in the English Premier League interested in his services.
Manchester United, Arsenal, and Newcastle may have to cough out around €100 million to get the 23-year-old, though.
Insigne is a selfish player that is did not want Osimhen to score than him, That is why he did not always pass or assit him on goal scoring.