Napoli coach reveals one similarity between Osimhen and Maradona ahead of Barcelona clash
Published: February 24, 2022 .png)
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.
“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
Copyright ANS
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com


Latest News
- Nigeria-eligible duo miss out on Arsenal training camp in Herzogenaurach
- Official : Ex-Chelsea midfielder of Nigerian descent signs scholarship deal with Fulham
- Official : SV Wehen Wiesbaden sign ex-Hamburg, Schalke youth teamer Ezeh
- Watford's Super Eagles GK likes Man Utd post confirming signing of Feyenoord fullback
- Former Chelsea star Moses reports for pre-season training at Spartak Moscow
- WAFCON : Three best and worst performers in Nigeria's defeat to South Africa
- 'He's a top level player' - Rangers icon understands why Southampton are interested in Nigeria star
- Significant update emerges on future of two Super Eagles stars and Nigeria U23 intl at Watford
- Opinion : Two English clubs that could benefit from signing Chelsea legend Mikel
- 'If we can do that' - 2019 Flying Eagles invitee targets promotion with Sheffield Wednesday
News Categories
- African Players
- Australia/ Asia
- Belgian Championship
- Bundesliga
- Danish Football
- English Premier League
- My Betting Sites Nigeria
- Nigeria National Teams
- Nigeria Premier League
- Norwegian Football
- Nigeria Betting Sites
- Polish Football
- Russian Championship
- Serie A
- Spanish Liga
- Swedish Championship
- Transfer
- Turkish Championship
- Ukrainian Football
- Uncategorized
- Women's Football