Spalletti issues first praise of Osimhen after Scudetto triumph

Napoli manager Luciano Spalletti has heaped praise on Victor Osimhen following the striker’s vital goal in securing Napoli’s first Serie A title in 33 years.

Spalletti hailed Osimhen’s passion for the game and his sacrifice for Napoli, insisting that the league title win is a fitting reward for the Super Eagles striker.

In a post-match interview, Spalletti described Osimhen as “a very strong footballer who has heart, has availability for the team, even today he was chasing everyone. Once he sees the ball, he’s like a little child; he chases it from all sides. He’s truly someone who has done a lot of stuff for the team. Having scored the goal that determines this Scudetto is the right reward.”

Napoli’s triumph on Thursday came after a 1-1 draw at Udinese, which gave the Naples side an unassailable lead in the standings.

The victory ends the city’s long wait for the Scudetto since Argentine great Diego Maradona led them to two championships in 1986-87 and 1989-90.

Osimhen, who joined Napoli from French side Lille in the summer of 2020, has been a key player for the club this season. His goal against Udinese in the 53rd minute secured Napoli’s third Serie A title and their first in 33 years, with five games remaining in the season.

Napoli’s triumph sees them sit comfortably atop the table with 80 points, a whopping 16 points ahead of second-placed Lazio, who also have five games left to play.

Napoli will now look to finish the season strongly as they prepare for their final five games while the club and its supporters bask in the glory of their long-awaited Scudetto triumph.