Italian media dub Napoli, Milan match Osimhen versus Leao

The Sunday match between Napoli and AC Milan will be a match between two exciting forwards. Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen and Portugal forward Rafael Leao.

The game slated for  Stadio Diego Maradona will feature a number of exciting battles but the one between the two star forwards will be fascinating.

Though Milan are not yet Leao-addicted but they are close to being that way, because they need the genius of the Portuguese winger as he is at times the only player who can unlock games. 

Even against Napoli, Rafael’s contribution will be decisive as he will have to exploit the spaces and help an attack that is struggling aside from him.

His opposite number in many ways is Osimhen, who is having a good debut season in Serie A with Napoli, while it is worth remembering that it took Leao three seasons to become what he is today.

The 22-year-old always showed flashes of what he could become, but over the summer something clicked and he went from being an inconsistent talent to a real gem, with 11 goals and 6 assists this season. 

Meanwhile, Luciano Spalletti insists ‘nobody can be more motivated’ than Napoli going into today’s Scudetto showdown with Milan. ‘We have the possibility to make our careers immortal.’

“We’ll see who is in the best form during the game, I can only say we are in the best possible condition to play,” said Spalletti in his press conference.

“Stefano Pioli has built a fine team over the last couple of years, but nobody can be more motivated than us. We are all together creating something strong, and I include the fans too, who set the template for that Neapolitan identity.

“Hopefully we’ve got Maradona’s blessing too and it will be a great night.”

The coach was asked what he says to himself in the mirror when shaving in the morning, so he replied with a joke.

“I do my hair in the morning! The important thing a professional must do is not change mood or objectives day by day. I tell my players that in an emotional city like Naples, even if there is silence, they are still burning like Vesuvius underneath.

“I have no problem saying what our objectives are. We want to challenge with everything we’ve got, knowing there is a great deal at stake, that we have the possibility of making our careers immortal.

“I already said last week, we can either be forgotten or remembered forever. These head-to-head games depend on many factors, so it’s possible the opposition will do better than us, but they cannot be more motivated.

“I have also seen more maturity from my team, they no longer have this stressful and even neurotic response to setbacks. They consider and wait for the right moment to change the situation.”

Spalletti was asked in what areas Napoli are stronger than Milan and vice versa?

“Milan alternate building out slowly from the back with a long ball, sometimes even from their goalkeeper who puts it over the top for the rapid forwards, a bit like what we do with Osimhen.

“Modern football is all about alternating the various elements you see everywhere now, not just being organised and tight, but also being able to create these one-on-one situations with physicality and strength.”