Toothless! Napoli stumble and fall without Osimhen in Serie A opener against Hellas Verona

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen was absent as Napoli fell to an embarrassing 3-0 bashing at Hellas Verona in their opening Serie A game of the season.

Osimhen has been training focal point for Napoli’s attack in the past three seasons. He has been key to everything they have achieved since he joined, producing 76 goals and 18 assists in 133 games.

His performances have attracted significant interest from top clubs all over Europe. But currently, the clubs that are frontrunner to acquire his services are Arsenal, Chelsea, and PSG.

As it stands, the 25-year-old is sure to leave Napoli this summer, if the words of Napoli’s sporting director Giovanni Manna are to be taken seriously.

Meanwhile, due to his transfer issue, Osimhen has been frozen out from all Napoli matchday squads. He has been training with them, but he has not featured for the Partenopeans since the start of pre-season.

Same was the status quo when Napoli took on Hellas Verona at Stadio Marc’Antonio Bentegodi on Sunday. Coach Antonio Conte did not include Osimhen in the matchday squad, paving the way for Giovanni Simeone to start in Napoli’s attack.

Osimhen’s absence was clearly felt, as despite registering 14 goal attempts, they failed to find the net. The first half ended goalless, but Hellas Verona stepped it up in the second half and claimed a 3-0 win.

It was clear that Napoli were missing Osimhen’s presence in the box. The Nigerian’s physicality and agility in the box are key ingredients to his game, and he probably would have converted one of the chances he got.

Osimhen’s future is expected to be sorted within the next few weeks, but Napoli could struggle if they don’t get a replacement soon.