Napoli manager praises Osimhen despite penalty miss. in 2-1 defeat of Juventus

 Napoli's new manager Francesco Calzona has praised Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen's immessense contribution to the team since his arrival a few days ago.

Calzone said Osimhen is a fundamental player for Napoli who has had difficult moments this season but is now almost back to his usual levels.

Calzona feels Napoli are ‘on the right track, but there is still a lot to be done’ after beating Juventus and getting back into the race for Europe.

The Partenopei notched up a second consecutive Serie A victory after the 6-1 demolition of Sassuolo, to give themselves hope of still capturing a top-five finish.

On the orders of the club, Napoli refused to give interviews to DAZN before or after the match, but Calzona did attend the press conference.

“We are on the right track, but there is a lot still to be done. I am very happy for the victory, I saw a team that wants to improve itself,” he said.

“In winning this match, the team sent a signal that it wants to achieve important targets. I am pleased to see such a united side that wants to keep getting stronger.”

Kvicha Kvaratskhelia volleyed in the opener and Federico Chiesa drilled home for the equaliser, but Joseph Nonge trod on Osimhen’s foot for a penalty.

Osimhen saw Wojciech Szczesny parry the spot-kick, but Giacomo Raspadori was quickest to the rebound and it looks like they worked on that in training, because the players all started their run from far outside the area to avoid encroachment and build up a head of steam.

“Kvaratskhelia and Osimhen are two fundamental players for this team. They both had difficult moments this season, but are now almost back to their usual levels.”

Their third boss of the season after Rudi Garcia and Walter Mazzarri has seemingly revitalised them and remains unbeaten after initial draws with Barcelona and Cagliari.

“I cannot perform miracles in 10 days, we need more time, but we don’t have time. We must improve in possession and make more vertical passes. I believe in playing out from the back and asking the lads not to kick the ball away. Juve made it difficult for us, but we’re happy.

“I don’t think I did anything in particular, I just told the lads to relax and apply themselves in training. I tried not to talk too much, as with everything that happened, it was the last thing they needed.”

Amir Rrahmani limped off with a muscular issue, while Cyril Ngonge and Jens Cajuste were in the stands.

“Rahmani felt the adductor harden and it could’ve been aggravated, so it was best to stop. He will be evaluated on Monday.”

Along with the hope of clawing their way back into the race for Champions League qualification, Napoli must also prepare for the second leg of the Champions League Round of 16 against Barcelona on March 12.

“We need to memorise as many notions as possible. We are back in the race and we must get a result against Torino, even if it won’t be easy. As for Barcelona, there’s time for them.”