Napoli put up a strong fight against their Italian rivals, but they just fell short in the end
Former England and Chelsea attacker Eniola Aluko has stated that Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen could be the x-factor for Napoli when they play AC Milan in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League clash against AC Milan.
Osimhen has been very potent for Napoli in front of goal this season. The Super Eagles striker has scored 25 goals in all competitions and has been key to the Partenopeans' success this season.
However, he sustained an injury while on international duty with Nigeria. Since the resumption of club football, Osimhen has missed three of Napoli's games. And the Partenopeans have been unable to hit top gear since then.
Napoli lost 4-0 to AC Milan, but they then beat Lecce in the Serie A before succumbing to a 1-0 defeat to AC Milan in their Champions League quarterfinal clash on Wednesday.
The Rossoneri could easily have scored more goals in the tie, but they were profligate on the night.
Former Chelsea attacker Aluko was critical of Napoli's performance, and she believes that Osimhen could have added a lot to the team if he was available.
“Napoli did not have that cutting edge that we've seen throughout the Champions League because Osimhen was not available,” Aluko said on BT Sport per Oma Akatugba.
Napoli most get Osimhen back to have any chance in the second leg. Eniola Aluko. pic.twitter.com/Jh38kEQrTn
— Oma Akatugba (@omaakatugba) April 12, 2023
“They did not have anything off the bench. Lozano was quiet, Raspadori came on, but he was quiet.
“I think if they can bring Osimhen back, that will give them a bigger chance with Anguissa and Kim already ruled out.”
Coach Luciano Spalletti has already confirmed Osimhen's availability for the second leg at the Diego Maradona Stadium.
Napoli would hope that the powerful Nigerian striker can turn things around in the second leg.
