Ex-Italy international highlights what Napoli will be missing in Osimhen’s absence

Osimhen will be out of action for at least a month, and Napoli will have to find a way to cope

Former Italy striker David Di Michele believes Osimhen is the only Napoli striker that can stretch opposition defenders, Soccernet reports.

Osimhen sustained an injury in Nigeria’s 2-2 draw against Saudi Arabia last Friday. The prolific 24-year-old hitman walked off the pitch just minutes into the second half, and it looked like it was just a common knock.

However, reports on Tuesday revealed that it was more serious than it looked, and Osimhen would have to spend the next 40 days on the sidelines.

The injury could not have come at a worse time for Napoli, as they are currently struggling. The Serie A champions have won just five of ten games across all competitions this season.

Former Italy striker Di Michele says Osimhen’s absence will be felt because none of the strikers- Giacomo Raspadori and Giovanni Simeone at Napoli can play the way he does.

“The game with the Nigerian[Osimhen] is certainly different than if you put one between Raspadori and Simeone,” Di Michele said per Napoli Magazine.

“Osimhen attacks depth like the other two don’t, perhaps Cholito a little more, but without the Nigerian, you can’t stretch the opposing team.

“Maybe you can rely on a more collective game,? to help the team move forward and play in a more organic way.”

Coach Rudi Garcia’s days at Naples seem to be numbered because of the disappointing results. He has to find a way to make the team work without Osimhen.