The Nigerian superstar has always been criticized for disappearing in the big Serie A fixtures, but he silenced his critics after his heroics at Roma
Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen scored his first goal against one of the traditional top-five Italian sides in Napoli’s hard-fought 1-0 win at Roma.
After coming off the bench to score in Napoli’s previous two games, Luciano Spalletti handed Osimhen his first start in the Partenopeans’ clash against Roma at the Stadio Olimpico.
Roma boss Jose Mourinho set up his team to defend deep, match Napoli in key areas and hope to catch them on the counter. This could be a result of the many injuries they suffered including to key players Paulo Dybala and Georginio Wijnaldum. It would take a special moment from the Nigerian to break the wall in Rome down.
Napoli bossed possession, but Hirving Lozano and Khvicha Kvaratshkelia were restricted to long-range shots. Osimhen was also starved of chances due to Roma’s low block.
However, Napoli were awarded a penalty in the 39th minute, but it was canceled after a VAR review.
The second half was quite feisty, with tackles and yellow cards flying around. But Napoli were still the better side.
The Partenopeans finally got their reward in the 80th minute, and it was Osimhen who came up clutch.
Matteo Politano played a pass for Osimhen to chase. But Roma defender Chris Smalling was in the better position. Still, Osimhen displayed strength, hunger, and zeal to win the ball in the box and fired a rocket of a shot past Rui Patricio in the Roma goal to put his side ahead.
Napoli held out for the win that put them three points above AC Milan at the summit of the Serie A.
Osimhen seems unstoppable at the moment. The Nigerian has scored in three consecutive games. Also, he has finally scored against one of the traditional top-five Italian teams.
