Italian media criticized Victor Osimhen following Napoli‘s 3-1 loss against Barcelona on Tuesday, but Juventus and Italy legend Alessandro Del Piero feels the Nigeria international showed a ‘positive attitude’ against the La Liga giants.
Osimhen failed to impress in Napoli’s Champions League loss to Barcelona on Tuesday, which caused the Partenopei’s elimination from Europe’s elite competition.
Del Piero was also disappointed by the striker’s performance but still defended him after the final whistle.
“He put in maximum commitment even if being flagged offside so many times is a little bit excessive,” the 2006 Italy World Cup winner told Sky Sport Italia, as quoted by TMW.
“Of course, when you play badly in an important match, you are a little down, but the player’s qualities can’t be questioned. Napoli have had a negative season, so you don’t always face what happens with a smile. However, Osimhen’s attitude was always positive.”
Osimhen has scored 13 goals in 24 appearances across all competitions this season, including one in the Champions League Round of 16 first leg against Barcelona two weeks ago.
The Nigeria international has recently extended his contract with the Partenopei until June 2026 but is expected to leave in the summer with a €130m clause.
Del Piero won the Champions League and the World Cup as a footballer and has the most goals and appearances in Juventus’ history. He left the Old Lady in 2012 after winning the first Scudetto in the post-Calciopoli era.