Italy legend Alessandro Del Piero has leaped in defence of Victor Osimhen after the Nigerian striker was criticised by Fabio Capello and the Italian media within the wake of Napoli’s 3-1 loss in opposition to Barcelona on Tuesday, PUNCH Sports activities Additional reviews.
The Partenopei held the Blaugrana to a 1-1 attract Naples, however they have been unable to duplicate that efficiency in Catalonia, shedding 3-1 loss after targets from Fermin Lopez, Joao Cancelo and Roberto Lewandowski, cancelling out Amir Rrahmani’s purpose.
Osimhen didn’t make a key influence for Napoli and was remoted in assault, managing just one shot throughout the 90 minutes and successful simply one among his tried 10 duels.
In line with the participant scores from La Gazzetta dello Sport, Corriere dello Sport and Tuttosport, Osimhen was rated 5 and blamed for his incapacity to remain onside as he was flagged six instances (three within the first 21 minutes) within the first half.
La Gazzetta dello Sport wrote, “Prepared-go and so they waste a colossal alternative that would’ve modified historical past, a nasty signal. Within the first 20 minutes, he (Osimhen) went offside 4 instances.”
Corriere dello Sport added, “He (Osimhen) performed between the knowledgeable Araujo and the 17-year-old Cubarsi, in opposition to a excessive line, at all times on the sting of an offside which turned a scientific lure.”
Tuttosport commented, “Always offside, he virtually by no means managed to attach within the match.”
Corriere della Sera echoed these sentiments, underlining his lack of influence within the sport, saying, “He (Osimhen) ended up offside 3 times within the first 21 minutes, 4 in all the first half. An nameless match.”
Capello was additionally unimpressed by the Nigeria worldwide’s efficiency.
“He Osimhen was flagged offside six instances within the first half and went unnoticed within the second half,” he mentioned.
“It was not the identical Osimhen we normally see. He struggled in opposition to Barcelona defenders and solely gained one aerial duel. Barcelona’s weak level was the defence, and he couldn’t emerge.”
Nevertheless, Capello thought the Partenopei deserved a penalty kick within the second half for a possible foul on Osimhen.
“I really feel Napoli deserved a penalty, I didn’t just like the referee,” Capello added.
However former Juventus captain and Italy ahead Del Piero feels the 25-year-old confirmed a constructive perspective in opposition to the La Liga giants.
“He put in most dedication even when being flagged offside so many instances is just a little bit extreme,” Del Piero advised Sky Sport Italia.
“In fact, whenever you play badly in an necessary match, you’re barely down, however Osimhen’s qualities can’t be questioned. Napoli has had a damaging season, so that you don’t at all times face what occurs with a smile. Nevertheless, Osimhen’s perspective was at all times constructive.”
Osimhen has scored 13 targets in 24 appearances throughout all competitions this season, together with one within the Champions League Spherical of 16 first leg in opposition to Barcelona two weeks in the past.
Napoli’s subsequent Serie A sport is in opposition to Inter on the Stadio Meazza in San Siro on Sunday.
