Napoli coach reveals one similarity between Osimhen and Maradona ahead of Barcelona clash

Published: February 24, 2022

Napoli manager Luciano Spalletti heaped praise on Victor Osimhen ahead of his side's glamour Europa League knockout round playoff meeting with Barcelona at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona in Naples on Thursday.

The Partenopei know that only a victory will see them safely through to the last sixteen of the Europa League after they were forced to a 1-1 draw in the first leg at the Camp Nou and are relying on their record signing for goals.

Spalletti has identified one similarity between Osimhen and Napoli legend Diego Maradona, claiming that the Nigerian has the same 'animal fury' the Argentina icon had.

The Super Eagles star is back to form after recovering from a cheekbone injury, either scoring or assisting in his last three matches in the Italian top-flight.

Osimhen ended doubts about his availability to face Barcelona after participating in full training with his teammates at SSC Napoli Konami Training Centre on Wednesday.

"With that header against Cagliari, he proved to have a sort of animal fury which is much-needed in key moments," Spalletti said at the pre-match press conference, according to Football Italia.

“Maradona had the same thing and somebody else should have it in our team. You can see Osimhen has it when he faces his opponents.

"He has outstanding characteristics and some extra qualities that are not easy to find in other players."

Osimhen found the net against all the teams he faced in the group stage of the Europa League - Leicester City, Spartak Moscow and Legia Warsaw.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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