‘Can score three goals with two touches’ – Fabio Cannavaro praises Victor Osimhen
Former Real Madrid and Juventus defender Fabio Cannavaro has heaped praise on Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen, who has been a standout performer for Napoli in Serie A. The World Cup winner believes Osimhen can help Napoli challenge for the league title again.
In an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, Cannavaro discussed the favorites for the 2024/25 Serie A season, tipping Inter Milan to retain the title they won last season. Despite this, he sees Napoli as strong contenders, especially if they retain Osimhen and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
Cannavaro acknowledged the challenges Inter might face in replacing key players over the summer. “It isn’t easy. Perhaps only Dumfries could be replaced. The formula for success is another one: have two potential starters in each role because the season will be super long,” he stated.
When asked about potential challengers to Inter’s dominance, Cannavaro responded, “Napoli, if they keep Osimhen and Kvara.”
Despite Cannavaro’s confidence, Osimhen may be on the move this summer, as Napoli and Paris Saint-Germain are in negotiations over a deal for the Super Eagles forward. Should Osimhen depart, Napoli is rumored to be eyeing Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku as a replacement, a move Cannavaro doesn’t fully support.
Comparing the two strikers, Cannavaro said, “Osi can score three goals with two touches; he’s unpredictable and needs fewer chances than Lukaku [to score]. Conte always puts the players in the best position and Oriali will be an added value.”
Osimhen proved his quality in Italy by helping Napoli secure the Serie A title for the first time in 33 years, scoring 26 goals in 32 league appearances in the 2023/24 season.
