Super Eagles’ Osimhen Sees Red In Serie A Opener
Super Eagles and Napoli striker Victor Osimhen’s Serie A season got off to the worst possible start after he saw red less than 30 minutes into Napoli’s opening match of the campaign, but luckily, it did not cost the Neapolitans the win as they claimed a 2-0 victory against Venezia.
Expectations were high going into the season for the 22-year-old Nigerian striker following an excellent pre-season campaign which saw him score eight goals in five pre-season games for Napoli. However, he received a straight red card in the 23rd minute for shoving Daan Heymans as they challenged during a Napoli corner in the box.
Although on replay, it’s a harsh red card, the referee considered it to be violent conduct. The dismissal means he will miss the clash against Genoa next week and possibly the big match against Juventus after the international break.
But despite his dismissal, Napoli went ahead to win the match 2-0 thanks to goals from Lorenzo Insigne and Eljif Elmas. Insigne first had the opportunity to put Luciano Spalletti’s men ahead in the 57th minute after they were awarded a penalty. However, the Italian missed from the penalty spot.
Napoli were awarded another penalty five minutes later, and this time, Insigne redeemed himself by converting the spot-kick.
Meanwhile, Venezia, who handed Tyronne Ebuehi his debut following his loan move from Benfica, almost got an equaliser through Francesco Forte, who fired a shot against the upright.
They would later rue the missed opportunity as Elmas strike in the 72nd minute ensured Spalletti’s reign as Napoli’s coach got off to a winning start.
Serie A results
Bologna 3-2 Salernitana
Udinese 2-2 Juventus
Napoli 2-0 Venezia
Roma 3-1 Fiorentina
Chidi Nwoke/SoccerNetNigeria.
