Former Napoli midfielder Emanuele Giaccherini has backed Victor Osimhen after missing a penalty in the Partenopei’s 2-1 Serie A win over Juventus on Sunday.
The Nigerian forward had the chance to win the game for his side in the 88th minute from the penalty spot but his effort was saved by Wojciech Szczesny before Giacomo Raspadori converted the rebound.
It was the third penalty Osimhen missed since the start of last season, raising questions about his suitability in taking spot kicks. Giaccherini, who played for Napoli between 2016 and 2018, does not think that should be the focus but rather on Osimhen’s overall contribution on the pitch.
“Penalties are wrong, we know. That’s not what you judge a player by. What I look at is the work that Osimhen does, bringing with him more than one opponent,” Giaccherini told Il Napolista.
“Kvara also benefited from this. This duo can be Napoli’s added value in Italy and Europe.”
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— Official SSC Napoli (@en_sscnapoli) March 4, 2024
The retired Italian player also added: “The players must make their contribution, they must take responsibility and they are doing so. Napoli seems to be doing better than a month ago from an attitude point of view.”
Napoli’s victory keeps them seven points shy of the top four in seventh place and will host Torino next on Friday night.
