No Osimhen, no party as Ebeuhi assist condemns Napoli to shock defeat at home to Empoli

Napoli's Gio Simeone tries to get past Empoli's Berisha | Imago

FOOTBALL No Osimhen, no party as Ebeuhi assist condemns Napoli to shock defeat at home to Empoli

No Osimhen, no party as Ebeuhi assist condemns Napoli to shock defeat at home to Empoli

Ayoola Kelechi • 14:36 - 12.11.2023

Napoli suffered a shock defeat against Empoli as the reigning Serie A champions lost for the first time since Osimhen's injury

Reigning Serie A champions Napoli suffered a shock defeat at home to Empoli, further denting their chances of retaining the Scudetto won last summer. 

The Partenopei have struggled on occasion this season, and were far from their best once again against Empoli, falling to the side that was second from bottom at kick off. 

A late goal from Viktor Kovalenko, coupled with excellent goalkeeping from Etrit Berisha in goal for Empoli ensured the away side pulled off one of the shocks of the Serie A season so far. 

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How it happened

Napol had previously managed to mitigate the problems caused by the absence of Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen, but they were at their wits end against an Empoli side that defended doggedly and was determined to leave the relegation zone. 

Napoli came into the game on the back of a four-game unbeaten run in Serie A and the UEFA Champions League since the injury to Osimhen and had many convinced that they could manage without the Nigerian forward. 

However, against Empoli, they felt Osimhen’s absence more than ever, as they lacked the cutting edge to trouble the visitor’s defence without him. 

Napoli struggled to create chances against Empoli and were limited to speculative efforts from outside the area. 

Shots from Matteo Politano, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and Jasper Lindstrom threatened to give Napoli the lead, but Berisha was in sensational form for Empoli and refused to be beaten. 

Napoli looked like they were heading for a frustrating draw against Empoli, but were dealt a hammer blow in extra time as Kovalenko latched onto Ebuehi’s assist to steal all three points for Empoli. 

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Tags:
Victor Osimhen SSC Napoli Viktor Kovalenko Empoli Serie A Nigeria