Former Lazio goalkeeper Nando Orsi is not convinced that the return of Victor Osimhen from injury would be enough to help Napoli beat AC Milan and reach the semifinals of the Champions League for the first time in history.
In Osimhen’s absence, AC Milan powered to a 1-0 win over Napoli at San Siro to seize control of their UEFA Champions League quarterfinal clash.
Soccernet.ng reports that Napoli need to win by a similar margin to force the tie into extra time and possibly penalties or win by at least a two-goal margin to advance past Milan.
In Osimhen, who has 25 goals in all competitions this term, Napoli have a weapon that can breach the defence of the Italian champions.
Still, 63-year-old Orsi has his doubts.
Orsi explained that while Napoli is a strong team, they have struggled against Milan in their previous three matches. The Italian pundit insists Milan have a unique way of interpreting matches that Napoli seems to have difficulty countering.
While Osimhen’s return to the pitch is undoubtedly crucial for Napoli, Orsi warned that it might not be enough to secure a victory over Milan and advance to the semifinals of the Champions League.
“Napoli are stronger,” the former Parma shot-stopper told Ottochannel, as per Tutto Napoli.
“But against Milan in the three matches, they didn’t prove to be so, because Milan have a way of interpreting match that Napoli evidently suffers. Obviously, Osimhen’s return is crucial, but it might not be enough to get to the semifinals.”
Napoli have had a strong season thus far, sitting in the top spot in Serie A with a healthy lead over the chasing pack.
However, they face a difficult challenge in the Champions League quarterfinals, as they go up against an AC Milan team that has also had a strong season.