Napoli take on AC Milan in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-final on Tuesday night, needing to overturn the 1-0 loss from the first leg.
The Rossoneri have the slender lead courtesy of Algeria midfielder Ismael Bennacer’s first-half strike at the San Siro while Cameroon midfielder Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa is suspended after receiving two yellow cards in the first leg. The biggest news however will be the return to action of Nigeria forward Victor Osimhen.
The 24-year-old has been out of action since suffering a muscle injury while on international duty with the Super Eagles last month. He has since missed three matches including last week’s first leg at the San Siro, hence his return is a timely boost after coming off the bench in the final 17 minutes of the goalless Serie A draw with Hellas Verona at the weekend.
Our squad for #NapoliMilan ????
#UCL pic.twitter.com/gwVhKnjhEd— Official SSC Napoli (@en_sscnapoli) April 18, 2023
Osimhen is Napoli’s top scorer this season with 25 goals in 30 competitive games including four goals in five Champions League games and his importance in the team could not be overemphasized, with his physical attributes and finishing a nightmare for any opposition. It has constantly made headlines and linked him with a big money transfer to some of Europe’s biggest clubs.
In Osimhen’s absence, Napoli lost two in three games, including a 4-0 loss by Milan at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona. Many attributed the loss in form to Osimhen’s absence and while there might be some element of truth in it, manager Luciano Spalletti does not see the strength of the team tied to him.
“Our strength is in our squad. You can’t achieve the results we’ve had this season and build up such a big lead if you don’t have a top-quality squad,” the Italian tactician said ahead of the game.
“Victor helps us stretch teams and we have a certain way of playing with him in the side. He’s a target man for us. But clearly, it’s thanks to our squad that we’ve done so well this season. And tomorrow, besides Osimhen, we’re going to need the whole team to turn up.”
Spalletti’s above assertion might be correct because Osimhen missed six competitive games earlier in the season and Napoli won all of them. The Partenopei were so flawless with the likes of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Matteo Politano, Giacomo Raspadori, Piotr Zielinski, Giovanni Simeone and Hirving Lozano stepping up with top-notch performances.
That was clearly teamwork without their talisman in place.
It’s worth noting that Osimhen featured during Napoli’s 1-0 home loss to Lazio in early March and the team were not at their standard best. Also, their last league victory at Lecce did not feature Osimhen and Spalletti’s men were not convincing in the 2-1 win.
Napoli’s dip in form of late raises questions about the motivation of the team. They have arguably been the best team in Europe this season with their attacking and defensive displays, but the recent results have left a lot to be desired.
⚽️ ???? ???? | MATCHDAY#NapoliMilan | UCL | Stadio Diego Armando Maradona | 21:00 CEST
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— Official SSC Napoli (@en_sscnapoli) April 18, 2023
It is not necessarily down to Osimhen’s absence as previously established, hence the Campania capital outfit must find their rhythm against Milan on Tuesday night if they still harbour thoughts of progressing to the semi-finals. Milan have more history in the tournament as seven-time winners and will be pumped up to get the job done.
On the Serie A side, Napoli’s first title since 1990 looks guaranteed with just eight games left to play and a 14-point lead over Lazio. Their recent drop in form however threatens to override their largely solid season and have got to do everything to ensure it ends on a high rather than a low.
