Osimhen’s brace sends Khvicha-less Napoli over the line in tough Serie A opener at Frosinone

Frosinone just gained promotion to the Serie A, but they made Napoli work hard to get the three points at Stadio Benito Stirpe

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen scored a brace for Napoli in their 3-1 victory over newly-promoted Frosinone at the Stadio Benito Stirpe, Soccernet reports.

Napoli started their Scudetto defense with a game against new boys Frosinone. Star man Osimhen was outstanding for the Partenopeans last season, scoring 26 goals in the run-up to their historic triumph. And this season, the 24-year-old hitman was still expected to play a crucial role for them.

As expected, Osimhen made coach Rudi Garcia’s starting lineup, and he was flanked by Matteo Politano, who operated from the right, while Giacomo Raspadori filled in for the injured Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

Napoli had the worst start possible, as they conceded in the 7th minute via a spot-kick from Abdou Harroui. However, they bounced back in the 24th minute through a goal from Politano.

The Partenopeans controlled the possession and obviously looked like the better side, but the home side held their lines well.

Nonetheless, Napoli’s quality eventually came through for them. Giovanni Di Lorenzo beat a Frosinone defender to the ball after a short sprint. He drifted into the box and sent a low pass to Osimhen, who was free.

The Nigerian striker did not waste time, striking a rocket of a shot into the roof of the net to make it 2-1 for Napoli after 42 minutes. His striker ensured that he drew level with Harry Kane for goals in 2023.

The Italian champions took their lead into the break and came out for the second half with high intensity.

Osimhen had a very good game, as he was all over the pitch, chasing down every ball as usual. The former Lille man did not get a lot of chances in the second half, despite Napoli’s dominance. However, he finally had another good chance to score in the 79th minute, and he did it with aplomb.

Osimhen was played through on goal by Di Lorenzo, and with only the goalkeeper to beat, he placed a low and precise shot past Stefano Turati in Frosinone’s goal to make it 3-1 and seal the victory.

Osimhen was taken off for Giovanni Simeone in the 81st minute, and it eventually ended 3-1.

Next up for Napoli is a game against Sassuolo in Naples.