Osimhen spearheaded Napoli’s title charge last season but the former Real Madrid star does not believe the Nigerian is able to replicate the same this season.
Former Italy attacker Antonio Cassano has praised Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen, but says Napoli will find it difficult to retain their title even with the Nigerian star.
17:23 - 20.08.2023
New Napoli boss unhappy with Osimhen performance despite two goals
Rudi Garcia revealed that he was unhappy with an aspect of Victor Osimhen's performance in Napoli's opening game against Frosinone despite the Nigerian striker scoring twice
Osimhen reached god status in Naples last season after leading Napoli to their first Serie A title in 33 years.
Cassano praises Osimhen but says Napoli will not defend title
The Super Eagles star spearheaded Napoli’s title charge, leading the scoring charts with 26 goals, including the strike that sealed the league title.
Napoli are looking to defend their title again this season, but Cassano insists the Neapolitans will find it difficult to replicate last season’s success.
09:23 - 21.08.2023
Osimhen: Ex-Super Eagles striker Ighalo begins 'count' for Napoli star after Frosinone double
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The ex-Italian striker, now turned pundit, says the loss of Luciano Spalletti will likely affect the champions this season.
Spalletti was Napoli’s coach last season but left his role after leading them to the title, and has since gone on to become Italy’s new manager.
The Neapolitans also lost the services of Kim Min-jae, a key player in their success last season, to Bayern Munich.
Cassano insists the departure of Spalletti will affect Napoli’s chances, predicting they will finish outside the top four even with a top player like Osimhen in their squad.
"I wish Rudi Garcia a big good luck, but I also say that repeating what he did Spalletti will be impossible. I have a feeling and I'll say something strong: Napoli will struggle to get into the top four this year. I say it right away despite the presence of Victor Osimhen, a crazy player who always makes you start games 1-0,” Cassano told Bobo TV via Napoli Magazine.
Napoli start defence with a win
However, Cassano may be wrong in his judgement based on what Napoli produced in their opening Serie A match of the new season.
Rudi Garcia’s men started their title defence with a 3-1 win over the newly–promoted Frosinone at the Stadio Benito Stirpe.
Osimhen was once again the main protagonist, scoring a brace after Matteo Politano had equalised for Napoli following Abdou Harraoi early penalty for Frosinone.
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