Osimhen Blanks But Impresses As Napoli Start New Season With Win

Victor Osimhen made his much anticipated debut for Napoli and was pivotal for I Partenopei as they began their season with a victory at Parma on Sunday.

While he didn’t get on the score sheet, the Nigerian’s introduction on the hour mark transformed Napoli’s attack that had hitherto been lethargic.

The 21-year-old club record signing was brought on for Diego Femme on the hour mark with the game at 0-0 and Napoli struggling to find a break through.

His introduction immediately galvanised Napoli’s attack and his pressure on Parma’s defence resulted in the first goal for Dries Mertens just two minutes after his introduction.

His incessant running and aggression troubled the defence of the home side and one such burst of speed resulted in him setting up Lorenzo Insigne but the Napoli captain spurned what was a great chance.

Osimhen then went close moment later as he fizzled a left footed shot past the post when well placed.

I Partenopei were on the ascendancy and their pressure paid off as Insigne doubled their lead in the 77th minute.

All that remained to cap an excellent performance for Osimhen was a goal and while it didn’t come, his role in the three points was more than enough reward for an excellent showing and would have pleased manager Gennaro Gattuso.