Osimhen’s Hat-Trick Fires Napoli Past Sassuolo
A hat-trick from Super Eagles of Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen fired Napoli to a 6-1 thrashing of Sassuolo in their Italian Serie A encounter on Wednesday, at the Mapei Stadium in Reggio Emilia, Italy.
Napoli started with Osimhen in attack, with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Matteo Politano supporting on the wings. For Sassuolo, Andrea Pinamonti featured up-front while Nedim Bajrami and Armand Lauriente were on the flanks.
Hosts Sassuolo opened the scoring in the 17th minute when midfielder Uros Racic latched on to a poor clearance to score. However, defender Amir Rrahmani equalised for Napoli before Osimhen scored twice to put the visitors 3-1 ahead by halftime.
In the second half, Napoli continued where they left off as the Italian champions were determined to extend its lead in the thrilling encounter.
African Footballer of the Year Osimhen then completed his hat-trick two minutes after the restart to put Napoli in a commanding position.
With his 11th league goal of the season, the Nigerian became only the third Napoli player to reach double goal figures in four consecutive campaigns after Diego Maradona and Attila Sallustro.
Winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia then struck twice to in the 51st and 75th minute complete the thrashing as Napoli secured its first victory in four league games.
A memorable night for @en_sscnapoli ✨#SassuoloNapoli pic.twitter.com/KTkBk1l2Ms
— Lega Serie A (@SerieA_EN) February 28, 2024
Napoli are now ninth in the Serie A standings with 40 points from 26 games after outclassing Sassuolo in spectacular fashion.
The Italian Champions are level on points with Lazio with a superior goal difference. For Sassuolo, they remain in 18th position on the table after 26 games.
Wednesday’s Serie A results
Sassuolo 1-6 Napoli
Inter Milan 4-0 Atalanta.
