Spalletti talks about Osimhen’s offsides and how he helped Napoli see off Ajax
Napoli coach Luciano Spalletti has praised Victor Osimhen for his contribution in Napoli’s 4-2 win against Ajax in their UEFA Champions League matchday four win at Diego Maradona Stadium on Wednesday.
The Italian giants who have been super impressive this season chalked their fourth win of the campaign to book a place in the competitions last 16 with win against Ajax.
Goals from Hirving Lozano, Giacomo Raspadori, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Victor Osimhen sealed a 4-2 win for the home team.
“On evenings like this, you are swept along by the atmosphere. At one point, I felt dizzy and thought I could see stars going around my head,” Spalletti told Sky Sport Italia, painting a cartoon-like image of being at the sold-out Stadio Maradona.
“This qualification is down to the lads and I am fortunate to be working with a group like this. The entire city is proud of them, a city that pushed us on with the right motivation.
“Systems no longer exist in football, it’s all about the spaces left by the opposition. You must be quick to spot them and know the right moment to strike, have the courage to start the move even when pressed.
“We saw today with Ajax’s first goal what the Champions League is. Anguissa was injured and we conceded before we were able to put the ball out of play.”
Victor Osimhen who was playing in his first game since his injury against Liverpool contributed to his sides 4-2 win and his effort was appreciated by his boss.
The Nigerian striker had two of his goals chalked off for offside before scoring a typical pressing striker goals that eventually counted.
And his coach explained why he had two disallowed goals
“Osimhen was often offside because he was so eager that he started the runs early,” explained Spalletti.
Spalletti also explained Osimhen’s role in helping the Napoli saw off Ajax who were determined to get back into the game.
“He is not yet in the right shape to help out his teammates, but we tried to keep the ball more in the second half and use Osimhen’s ability in the air for long balls.”
With two games two games to go, Napoli have booked their spot in the last 16.
