Osimhen denied the chance to break ex-Barcelona star’s record on his return

Napoli lost two of four matches without Nigeria's Osimhen.

Osimhen denied the chance to break ex-Barcelona star’s record on his return

Joba Ogunwale 18:58 - 15.04.2023

Osimhen made his return to action, but Napoli failed to win in two games after playing a draw against Hellas Verona.

Super Eagles star Victor Osimhen was back in action but he could not help Napoli secure a win over Hellas Verona in their Serie A clash at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium in Naples on Saturday evening.

Osimhen had missed Napoli’s last three games in all competitions, including the two defeats against AC Milan after returning from international duty with an adductor injury. 

However, Napoli coach Luciano Spalletti had confirmed in his post-match press conference following the 1-0 loss to Milan on Wednesday that Osimhen would return this weekend. 

Osimhen did return, although he started from the bench as Napoli played out a goalless draw against Hellas Verona. 

How it happened 

With the Serie A title all but wrapped, Spalletti rested some of his key players ahead of the crucial second-leg Champions League quarter-final clash against AC Milan on Tuesday. 

The changes affected Napoli’s rhythm, struggling to break down a well-organised Verona side. Napoli dictated the tempo of the game from the start but failed to create any clear-cut chance as Verona kept them at bay. 

The Neapolitans' only real attempt at goal in the first half came from an own goal, which was chalked off for offside. 

Instead, it was Verona that had the only shot on target in the opening half, although Alex Meret was equal to the task. 

Osimhen makes his return 

Napoli continued to dominate possession following the restart but failed to threaten Verona’s goal. 

The situation sparked a reaction from Spalletti, who introduced Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Piotr Zieliński. 

Moments later, the former Roma man brought on his star man Osimhen for Giacomo Raspadori as they searched for the opener. 

Osimhen’s introduction brought life into Napoli’s attack, having a penalty shout turned down by the referee before he was denied by the crossbar after firing a fine volley. 

Osimhen almost scored the winner for Napoli
Victor Osimhen of Napoli

But despite his efforts, the Nigerian striker will have to wait a longer to break former Barcelona star’s record Samuel Eto’o. 

Osimhen is currently levelled with Eto’o as the African with the most goals scored in a single Serie A campaign, having scored 21 times this season. 

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However, the point gained sees Napoli go 14 points clear of Lazio in second place. Osimhen and his teammates will now turn their attention to the must-win Champions League clash against AC Milan. 

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