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Napoli were without Nigerian talisman Victor Osimhen but still enjoyed a superb win over Hellas Verona in Serie A
Defending Serie A champions Napoli showed how well they could cope without injured Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen as they claimed a comfortable 3-1 win over Verona.
A brace from Napoli hero Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and another goal from Matteo Politano ensured the Partenopei did not miss Osimhen’s presence as they ruthlessly dispatched their hosts in a statement victory.
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Verona scored a consolation goal through substitute Darko Lazovic, but it did not take anything away from a handsome win for Napoli that gives them hope even in Osimhen’s absence.
How it happened
Napoli were without Osimhen for the first time this season after the Nigerian forward picked up an injury playing for the Super Eagles against Saudi Arabia and faced the daunting task of playing without last season’s top marksman.
After a brief period of struggle for the Partenopei against Verona, the champions eventually settled into rhythm, taking the lead through Italian forward Matteo Politano.
They were 2-0 before the break as the 2022/23 Serie A MVP Kvaratskhelia doubled Napoli’s lead with a brilliant finish after a rapid counter attack.
Napoli’s dominance continued into the second half, as Kvaratskhelia scored 10 minutes after the start of the second period to put the tie beyond reasonable doubt.
Verona managed to pull a goal back through Darko Lazovic who made it 3-1 on the hour mark, but the Serbian’s goal only served to add a respectable tone to the scoreline.
The win sees Napoli climb temporarily to third on the Serie A table, four points adrift of AC Milan at the top of the table, with the Rossoneri yet to play this weekend.
With Osimhen facing up to six weeks out while injured, Napoli would be pleased with their performance without the striker, while hoping that they can continue in this fashion until the Nigerian star returns.
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