Spalletti Hails Osimhen, Nigerian Caused Issues For Atalanta

Spalletti Hails Osimhen, Nigerian Caused Issues For Atalanta

Alfred Kadiri

Napoli coach Luciano Spalletti has hailed red-hot Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen on his super goal-scoring form, but admitted relief after victory over Atalanta, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Osimhen's handball gave Ademola Lookman the opening penalty, only for the striker to turn it around with a goal and then his assist for Elif Elmas.

Spalletti said: “Osimhen is a player who has these sudden surges and spurts, but he needs to now and then also figure out how to pass it and work with his teammates. He was a little tired, but still created chances, caused issues, and when Atalanta pushed their wingbacks higher with the strikers wide, he was alone in midfield and those situations can do more than he did."

The Italian further added, "It was a difficult match, everyone said they were three huge points if we managed to win, but what we want to achieve means every three points are important," said Spalletti.

“We just have to keep being ourselves and hopefully misplace fewer passes than we did today, but with the right attitude of trying to score and win the game.

“I think Atalanta played a fantastic match, they are like Liverpool and Manchester City in standing out in the football world, because they present very clear ideas and approaches, so we all watch them.

“This gives the dimension of how important taking three points away from here really was. My team is now accustomed to this kind of atmosphere, with these chants and difficulties, doing that calmly and playing the kind of football Napoli want to see.

“To play attacking football, you have to take risks, but that is the life of a team that wants to play football."