As AC Milan prepare to face Napoli in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League quarterfinals tie, manager Stefano Pioli has shared his admiration for Napoli striker Victor Osimhen and revealed his team’s plans to stop the Nigerian football star.
In the prematch press conference, Pioli described Osimhen as a “strong, powerful, intuitive striker in the box” and acknowledged the importance of containing him during the match. Pioli noted that his team has a specific way of playing and that they plan to carry this forward against Napoli.
However, Pioli also emphasised the need to read the match and adapt to the situation on the field. He acknowledged that the previous matches with Napoli have been challenging and that his team needs to understand the moments when they need to accelerate or slow down the pace of the game.
“He is a strong, powerful, intuitive striker in the box,” Pioli said.
“We have our own way of playing and we have to carry it forward. The last matches with Napoli you have to know how to read them. Within the race you have to understand when to accelerate, when to brake, you have to understand the moments”.
Soccernet.ng reports that Osimhen has been in impressive form for Napoli this season, scoring 25 goals across all competitions. His pace and power in the box make him a formidable opponent for any team to face.
However, AC Milan will be hoping to put a stop to his goal-scoring exploits and advance to the semifinals of the Champions League.
The San Siro giants, one of the most successful Italian teams with seven Champions League titles, have a 1-0 lead to protect from the first leg.