‘Osimhen can score three goals with two touches’ — Ballon d’Or winner ranks Super Eagles star over Chelsea star

Napoli striker Victor Osimhen (Photo Credit: Imago)

‘Osimhen can score three goals with two touches’ — Ballon d’Or winner ranks Super Eagles star over Chelsea star

Ayoola Kelechi 17:33 - 18.07.2024

The World Cup winner believes Osimhen can help Napoli challenge for the league title yet again

Former Real Madrid and Juventus defender Fabio Cannavaro has heaped praise on Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen, who has starred for Napoli in the Serie A.

Cannavao tips Napoli to challenge Inter

The 2006 Ballon d’Or winner was asked about the favourites for the 2024/25 Serie A season in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport and tipped Inter to retain the title they won last season.

No defender has won the Ballon d'Or since Fabio Cannavaro in 2006 (Credit: Imago)
No defender has won the Ballon d'Or since Fabio Cannavaro in 2006 (Credit: Imago) No defender has won the Ballon d'Or since Fabio Cannavaro in 2006 (Credit: Imago)

Cannavaro stated that he believed Inter were still the favourites, even though they might struggle to replace players who leave the club this summer.

He said, “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.

Lautaro Martinez with the Scudetto trophy | Imago
Lautaro Martinez with the Scudetto trophy | Imago Lautaro Martinez with the Scudetto trophy | Imago

When asked who he thought could challenge Inter for the title, Cannavaro replied, “Napoli, if they keep Osimhen and Kvara.”

Cannavaro picks Osimhen over Lukaku

Despite Cannavaro’s praise, it appears that Osimhen will be on the move this summer, as Napoli and Paris Saint-Germain negotiate a deal for the Super Eagles forward.

Should Osimhen leave Napoli for PSG, the Partenopei are rumoured to be lining up a move for Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku, a move that Cannavaro is not behind.

Antonio Conte and Romelu Lukaku
Antonio Conte and Romelu Lukaku in 2021 (Imago/Gribaudi/ImagePhoto) Napoli boss Antonio Conte reportedly wants to work with Romelu Lukaku but faces competition from AC Milan (Imago/Gribaudi/ImagePhoto)

Speaking on the difference between the two strikers, the 2006 World Cup winner 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 already proved his quality in Italy, helping Napoli win the Serie A title for the first time in 33 years, scoring 26 goals in 32 league appearances in the 2023/23 season.

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