Raspadori rescues Super Eagles star Osimhen as Napoli beat Juventus

Victor Osimhen was caged against Juventus in Naples. (Photo Credit: Imago)

Raspadori rescues Super Eagles star Osimhen as Napoli beat Juventus

Izuchukwu Akawor 22:38 - 03.03.2024

Victor Osimhen missed a chance to continue his impressive scoring form as Napoli edged Juventus in the Serie A.

SSC Napoli substitute Giacomo Raspadori came to the rescue on Sunday night after Victor Osimhen had a penalty saved in a dramatic 2-1 win over Juventus.

Pulse Sports Nigeria reports that Osimhen came into the game looking to continue his impressive form but missed a golden opportunity late on as Raspadori proved to be the ultimate hero for the resurgent Serie A holders.

Osimhen won the late spot kick but fired a tame effort from 12 yards that was kept out by Juve keeper Wojciech Szczesny at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium in Naples.

Fortunately for the Nigerian striker, the ball rebounded straight to substitute Raspadori, who made no mistake from close range.

Osimhen saved by Napoli teammate

Napoli tweeted after Raspadori's 85th-minute winner: "GOOOOAAAAL! Jack RASPADORIIIII!! Osimhen's penalty is parried straight to Raspadori who fires us back in front! Scenes!"

Osimhen had entered the game in red-hot form having scored five goals in his previous three matches.

Giacomo Raspadori nets the rebound to save Osimhen's blushes against Juve.
Giacomo Raspadori nets the rebound to save Osimhen's blushes against Juve. (Photo Credit: Imago)

But Juventus managed to nullify his threat for most of the Serie A clash at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.

Georgian magician Khvicha Kvaratshkelia had fired Napoli to a deserved lead when he opened the scoring just before half time.

It wasn't Victor Osimhen's day against Juventus.
It wasn't Victor Osimhen's day against Juventus. (Photo Credit: Imago)

But Napoli’s lead was cancelled when against the run of play, Federico Chiesa equalised for the Old Lady nine minutes from time. 

Just when the visitors thought they had done enough for a share of the spoils, that was when a dramatic late penalty award was awarded to the home side after a VAR check.

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But Super Eagles forward Osimhen, who was hacked down in the Juve box, dusted himself up but could not convert with his tame low effort.

Thankfully Raspadori was on hand to spare Osimhen's blushes and secure a vital 2-1 victory to keep Napoli top of Serie A.

Super Eagles star Victor Osimhen celebrates his excellent night for Napoli before firing blanks against Juve.|| Imago

The young Italian striker pounced on the rebound after Szczesny denied Osimhen from the spot.

Napoli held on in a tense finale to clinch three points and continue their Scudetto push.

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