The Nigerian put the Azzurri back in the running as they were about to experience yet another disappointment. The Nigerian was exhausted after his efforts at the Africa Cup of Nations but was once again decisive
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malfitoto
On the razor’s edge, like any self-respecting superhero. A quarter of an hour and the Neapolitans would have had to digest another disappointment, yet another. A few moments and Victor Osimhen would have left the field. A little exhausted after the efforts of the Africa Cup of Nations, he would have made room for Simeone for one last assault, with renewed energy. Instead, the theatrical twist. The centre-forward’s academic physique and movements to get rid of his marker, then a shot that was more intelligent than powerful (the only one on target in the whole match for Napoli), not too precise but mocking enough to dissolve that mass of bitterness and start , perhaps, to take a more optimistic look at the future. A future that will then see a return to be played out in Spain, to avoid the déjà-vu of four years ago. Even then the first leg of the round of 16 against Barcelona ended 1-1. The stadium was still called San Paolo and the world, even if it was not fully aware of it, was preparing to face a pandemic.
controversies
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The character’s contradictions are not lacking. There would be many discussions to deal with, on Osimhen, who in the space of a few months contested a substitution for Rudi Garcia, caused a case to be mounted on social media against Napoli, and withdrew the African Ballon d’Or on the eve of the Champions League match which was decisive for passed the group without training, renewed his contract at 10 million euros per year, publicly insulted Kvaratskhelia’s agent and effectively announced his farewell at the end of the season. For tonight, however, they can be put aside, at least for a while. In these two months the absence of him has been felt. After the first change of coach to date, the team has become the worst attack in Serie A. Who knows what Walter Mazzarri would give to relive his second experience in Azzurri with him at his disposal. Francesco Calzona will benefit from his presence, catapulted at the helm of a Napoli that has so far been in disarray, and which has demonstrated that it has the potential to relaunch itself, especially with an additional masked man on its side. And, if he were to remain intact and focused, it is no small feat. “Victor is a great champion and he came back with the right head” guarantees Captain Di Lorenzo. After tonight we have to believe him.