Osimhen returns with a bang as Napoli claim away win

SSC Napoli striker Victor Osimhen marked his first start since November with a well-taken goal in the second half as Napoli claimed a 2-0 win over Venezia in their Serie A encounter to go second on the log.

The 23-year-old Super Eagles striker had not started a match for Napoli since suffering a fracture to his cheekbone and eye socket against Inter Milan in November, and missed out on the Super Eagles 28-man squad to AFCON 2021.

The Partenopei were on a three-match winning streak in the league, their longest since October, before travelling to Venice to face the struggling side.

Both sides cancelled each other out in the opening exchanges, and despite Napoli dominating proceedings, they failed to find the back of the net. Osimhen came closest to breaking the deadlock, but saw his effort come back off the post.

Osimhen eventually opened the scoring for the Partenopei as he showed why the club paid €80 million to prise him away from LOSC Lille.

The Nigerian striker rose highest to power home a header from inside the box in the 59th minute of the tense encounter following a right-wing cross from Matteo Politano. Osimhen has now scored 10 goals in 17 appearances for Napoli this season despite suffering a serious injury only three months ago.

Super Eagles defender Tyronne Ebuehi was sent off in the 95th minute of the encounter after he committed a foul. Italian striker Andrea Petagna scored Napoli’s second goal in the 10th minute of added time to complete a 2-0 win for them.

Napoli will face Inter Milan in a top-of-the-table clash between the sides on February 12th with only one point separating both sides.