“Spalletti made Osimhen”- Former Sassuolo striker

Osimhen has spent two seasons under the tutelage of the Italian tactician, and he has shone like a million stars 

Former Sassuolo striker Alessandro Noselli believes Napoli coach Luciano Spalletti has helped shape Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen to become the lethal force he is now.

Osimhen joined Napoli from Lille in 2020 in a blockbuster €72million transfer. However, he struggled to find his feet in Naples in his first year, majorly because of injuries. In his first season, Italy legend Gennaro Gattuso was Napoli’s coach.

However, the club let go of Gattuso and employed former Roma and Inter Milan boss Spalletti.

Since the 63-year-old tactician took over at Napoli, the club has witnessed a lot of progress. Last season, they looked like they were set for the title midway through the season, but they derailed towards the end.

Nonetheless, Napoli have been even better this season. They have the best defensive and attacking record in the league. And they sit comfy at the summit of the Serie A.

Nigeria striker Osimhen has been hot all season. He currently leads the League’s goalscorers’ charts with 17 goals, a personal best for him.

The former Lille man had been deadly, and he has shown prowess on the ground and for aerial balls.

Former Sassuolo striker Noselli has been impressed by Osimhen’s brilliance, and he believes it is because of Spalletti’s influence.

 

“Osimhen is very close to Haaland, Spalletti made him what he is now even though he has the characteristics and desire of a great striker,” Noselli told Napoli Magazine.

“Finding yourself in a situation like this year gives you a crazy boost. We also hope for the rest of the next few years that Osimhen will stay in Naples as much as possible. 

“Osimhen gives Napoli that extra something in terms of quality, to try and win the Scudetto.

“Having an offensive department that gives you that little bit extra on a general level makes you do well,” Noselli added.

 

Osimhen scored a beauty against Sassuolo on Friday night to help them to a 2-0 victory. He now has 100 career goals.

If the Partenopeans can continue at their current pace and Osimhen keeps scoring, they could be celebrating their first Scudetto in over 30 years.