Osimhen just extended his deal at Napoli, but his party was halted by Roma
Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen was sent off in the second half of Napoli's 2-0 loss to AS Roma at the Stadio Olimpico, Soccernet.ng reports.
Osimhen just renewed his contract at Napoli, and he would have been looking to celebrate it against a Roma side, which he scored against last season. However, the game did not go as he would have hoped.
The Super Eagles striker led the line as usual for the Serie A kings alongside Khvicha Kvaratskhelia on the left, while Politano operated from the right side of the attack.
The Partenopeans dominated the early proceedings, while Roma sat back, hoping to catch them on the break as is customary for Jose Mourinho-tutored teams.
This approach profited Roma, as, despite Napoli's possession, Roma had six goal attempts in the first half as against Napoli's three.
Osimhen was pretty silent on the night as Roma cut off his supply and were quite physical with him. Occasionally, he had to go deep in order to get the ball. Eventually, the first half ended goalless, with Osimhen's only chance being a failed over-head kick, which went wide.
The second half started just like the first ended, but the pendulum swung into Roma's favour in the 66th minute after Politano saw a straight red card after hitting out on a Roma player.
Ten minutes later, Lorenzo Pellegrini scored the opener for Mourinho's lads to put them in the driver's seat.
Seconds after Napoli scored, Osimhen was shown a yellow card for a poor foul. Then, ten minutes later, he committed another cheap foul to get his second yellow and his marching orders.
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With two men down, Napoli pushed hard for the equalizer, but they just could not break down the astute Roma setup. Then, in the 6th minute of stoppage time, Roma went on a quick counter after Napoli poured bodies forward. The end product was a goal for Romelu Lukaku to make it two for Roma and kill off the game.
The result leaves Napoli in sixth place in the Serie A, and Osimhen will miss their last game of 2023 against Monza.
Whether this is a distinction or not, from a professional perspective, issuing a red card is fair to both teams.