Osimhen Makes Napoli’s 23-Man Squad To Face Atalanta

By Sedara Philip

Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen has been listed in Napoli’s 23-man squad to face Atalanta in Serie A on Saturday, November 25.

A release on the club’s official X account, revealed that the Nigeria international is considered fit enough to return to action for the defending champions.

Osimhen, who has been sidelined since suffering a hamstring muscle injury whilst playing for Nigeria in a friendly against Saudi Arabia on October 13, missing the Partenopei’s last six consecutive matches, will be a big boost for returning Walter Mazzarri.

Mazzarri replaced Rudi Garcia before the international break and will be aiming for win against Atalanta.

“Osimhen is a great guy. He’s been cheerful since the very first moment. He is a generous guy who thinks about winning and sacrifices himself. He is getting back in shape and I am happy,” noted Mazzarri, even as he was quick to extol Napoli’s credentials.

“I am thrilled, this is surely the best team I’ve ever coached. I must pay attention to what I say because I am famous for being a moaner. Now, I no longer complain. This is a new Mazzarri, I’ve been sleeping well and I am relaxed,” he continued.

“Last year, they made a masterpiece with Spalletti and it was thrilling to watch them. When you see a team like this, you hope to coach them one day and I want to thank the President who called me. I hope I can coach them until the end of the season.

“I’ve kept a good relationship with De Laurentiis, we respect each other,” the coach added.

“Napoli is home to me. Napeolitans have always shown me love. When I left, my cycle was over. I told myself we needed a step forward because I needed to motivate the team differently in my fifth season at the club. I should have also improved the second placement; it wouldn’t have been easy.”

Napoli have won six games out of 12 in Serie A this campaign and are currently 10 points below Serie A leaders Inter.