Calzona backs Osimhen after penalty miss
Napoli coach Francesco Calzona has thrown his weight behind Nigerian striker, Victor Osimhen, after he missed a penalty in their 2-1 win over Juventus on Sunday at the Diego Maradona Stadium, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Following their 6-1 demolition of Sassuolo in midweek, when Osimhen netted a hat-trick, the Partenopei notched up a second consecutive Serie A victory on Sunday to give themselves hope of still capturing a top five finish.
After Kvicha Kvaratskhelia volleyed in the opener for the defending champions before halftime, Federico Chiesa equalised for Juventus and Osimhen had a chance to win the game for Napoli in the closing stages by winning a penalty off a foul by Joseph Nonge.
Osimhen’s penalty was, however, saved by Wojciech Szczęsny but the rebound was turned in by Giacomo Raspadori to give Napoli their 12th win of the season.
After the game, Calzona, Napoli’s third manager this season, reflected on Osimhen’s improvement and not the penalty miss.
“Osimhen and Kvaratskhelia are two fundamental players for this team. They both had difficult moments this season, but are now almost back to their usual levels,” the coach said.
“We are on the right track, but there is a lot still to be done. I am very happy for the victory, I saw a team that wants to improve itself.
“In winning this match, the team sent a signal that it wants to achieve important targets. I am pleased to see such a united side that wants to keep getting stronger.”
Since returning from the 2023 AFCON, where he scored only one goal as Nigeria reached the final, Osimhen has been in superb form for Napoli with five goals in four games, including a hat-trick against Sassuolo last Wednesday.
In 16 league games this season, the 25-year-old has scored 11 goals and also provided three assists.
