Roma boss De Rossi charges Ivorian and Italian defenders to cage Osimhen ahead of Serie A clash against Napoli

Osimhen is the target man for Napoli, but De Rossi is banking on his defenders to defenders to cage the Nigerian

Roma coach Daniel De Rossi has confirmed that Ivorian defender Evan Ndicka and Italy international Gianluca Mancini will be tasked with keeping Napoli striker Victor Osimhen in check when both teams clash on Saturday, Soccernet.ng reports.

Napoli will be renewing their rivalry with Roma when both teams meet at the Diego Maradona Stadium on Saturday evening. However, both teams go into the tie with contracting fortunes. While Roma have won four of their last five, Napoli have won just one of their last five games. Also, nine points separate both clubs on the Serie A table, as the Giallorossi sit fifth, while the Partenopeans are eighth and in danger of missing out of European football.

Last season, Nigeria striker Osimhen found a lot of joy playing Roma, as he scored once in both legs to spur Napoli to victory. However, this season, it has not gone as he would have liked.

He got sent off in the first leg, and Napoli lost 2-0. Roma boss De Rossi would be hoping for a similar result, ahead of the second leg on Saturday. And ahead of the fixture, he hqs revealed that his defenders are fully fit and would be looking to neutralize Osimhen

“Evan Ndicka) is fine, he trained and made it clear above all with his words that he felt great, we also see it in training, he is not afraid of tackles, of clashes, he is back as a 100% player,” De Rossi said per Napoli Magazine.

“He and Mancio will have a good duel ahead because Osimhen is one of the strongest strikers around in the world and therefore we are very confident in them.”

Despite De Rossi’s words, Napoli fans will be hoping that Osimhen can deliver the goods for them to help them clinch a continental football ticket.

Kelvin Omachonu

Kelvin Omachonu is a writer with many years of experience covering sports events in Nigeria and abroad. He is fueled by his love for the job, and is dedicated to delivering captivating stories.

Share
Published by
Kelvin Omachonu

Recent Posts

WATCH: Dribble-king Chidera Ejuke shows Akor Adams the ropes in first Sevilla training

Nigerian striker Akor Adams had his first training session with Sevilla on Friday, and he… Read More

3 hours ago

“I’ve been waiting since 2019” – Ex-Arsenal star declares readiness to play for Super Eagles

Nigerian forward Chuba Akpom has stated that he is still committed to playing for Nigeria… Read More

8 hours ago

“Focus 100% on Bayer Leverkusen” – Nigeria’s Victor Boniface shrugs off failed Al Nassr move

Nigeria international forward Victor Boniface insists he remains committed to Bayer Leverkusen despite his failed… Read More

9 hours ago

Kelechi Iheanacho: Will Sevilla get rid of struggling Super Eagles star before transfer deadline?

Super Eagles striker Kelechi Iheanacho is in for a rapid rollercoaster ride for the next… Read More

9 hours ago

Leeds United pull plug on deal for Super Eagles striker

Three-time English Premier League Champions, Leeds United, have decided against signing Super Eagles and Sevilla… Read More

10 hours ago

Nigeria’s Osayi-Samuel lands in Mourinho’s black book as Fenerbahce boss eyes Bayern Munich star

Bright Osayi-Samuel’s future at Fenerbahce appears all but over as the Nigerian right-back is set… Read More

11 hours ago