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By Anthony Nlebem.
Nigeria international Victor Osimhen will lead Napoli’s attack against Salernitana in a Serie fixture on Saturday as the Partenopei seek a quick response to their Coppa Italia midweek ouster against Cremonese, a side yet to win a match in Serie A.
The Partenopei were knocked out of the Coppa Italia Round of 16 on Tuesday, losing on penalties against Davide Ballardini’s Cremonese, the only team with no victories in Serie A this season.
This comes after Napoli produced a sensational performance to thrash Juventus and move nine points clear in their bid for a first Serie A title since 1990.
Nigerian striker Osimhen scored twice with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Amir Rrahmani and Elif Elmas also on target.
Osimhen opened the scoring for Napoli and then provided the pass for Kvaratskhelia to double their lead, but Di Maria hit back before the break.
The 24-year-old Nigerian forward has formed a key part of Luciano Spalletti’s team and has continued to impress with his performances.
The former Lille star has scored 12 goals and provided four assists in 14 Serie A appearances this season and is on the verge of delivering the first title for the Parthenopeans since 1990.
Also, the Nigerian forward believes that Serie A leaders have a very good chance of winning the Scudetto this season.
“I always say we have a great squad with quality players and of course, we cannot shy away from the quality players Juventus possess. It was a good fight, I am glad we came out on top and we must continue like this.”
“The road is too long, we must continue carrying out the coach’s instructions and I think at the end of the season we have a good chance,” Osimhen said after Napoli dispatched Juventus last weekend.
Now, the former Lille star will be spearheading Spalletti’s attack against Serie A strugglers Salernitana which lost 8-2 to Atalanta to further extend its lead on the Serie A table.
Napoli are winter champions and lead the league by nine points a win at Stadio Arechi on Saturday will further boost their scudetto chances.
Meanwhile, Spalletti has revealed Khvicha Kvaratskhelia will miss tomorrow’s derby against Salernitana.
The Georgia international was ruled out of Napoli’s Coppa Italia match against Cremonese due to flu and has not yet recovered.
“He won’t travel with the team, he has a fever and the doctor had to give him medicines for his symptoms,” Spalletti said at a press conference on Friday. Spalletti said in his pre-match comment.