Victor Osimhen was the star of the show in Napoli’s 2-1 win over Cagliari, scoring an impressive header and providing a hard-fought assist.
The Partenopei had suffered to back-to-back losses in the league, falling to Inter and Juventus, but returned to winning ways at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on Sunday evening, securing all three points in a key 2-1 victory over Claudio Ranieri’s Cagliari.
Osimhen was a leading figure in Napoli’s win, scoring the opener in the 69th minute with a towering header. Minutes later the Nigerian striker contributed again, working hard to lay a pass off to Khvicha Kvaratskhelia for the second just six minutes later.
La Gazzetta dello Sport had high praise for the 24-year-old Napoli striker, underlining his contributions to the match and visible desire on the pitch, writing: “How nice to see how much he cares. Active already in the first half, the break into the opener was splendid, the stubbornness with which he won the ball when he passed to Kvaratskhelia for the 2-1.”
Corriere dello Sport echoed these sentiments, suggesting it was a historic performance from Osimhen, commenting: “First he smashed his header in NBA style, overtaking Dossena and Obert: 1-0. Then he serves the assist for 2-1 to Kvara.
“Yes, but as a champion, seven dribbles in the area with foot, thigh and head (the last) between four men – like the old Nappi – and finishing with strength between Goldaniga and Obert with those infinite legs. Unmarkable. A force of nature.”
Osimhen’s ratings in the Italian newspapers
Gazzetta dello Sport: 7.5
Tuttosport: 7
Corriere dello Sport: 8
Corriere della Sera: 7.5