Napoli manager, Gennaro Gattuso, says his Series A side are not yet hitting the cord in the early stages of the 2020/2021 season as a result of the absence of Nigerian youngster, Victor Osimhen, Orient Sports reports.
Osimhen dislocated his shoulder during the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Sierra Leone in November.
The 21-year-old winner of the FIFA U17 World Cup in Chile 2015, has not recovered ever since and Gattuso reckons the club’s returns is being affected.
Gattuso’s reaction followed Wednesday night’s scoreless draw against Atalanta in the first leg of their Coppa Italia fixture.
Gatuso has been under severe pressure following consecutive defeats by Juventus and Hellas Verona in the Italia Super Cup games.
He likened Osimhen’s value to the club to that of Lukaku for Inter Milan.
“I would like to see the Inter Milan without Lukaku and maybe Lautano “, Gatuso said after Wednesday’s draw against Atalanta.
” I’ve been saying this for a month. It doesn’t have to be an alibi but the absence of Mertens and Osimhen is affecting the games.
“They weigh like boulders and one cannot ignore this when evaluating the season of Napoli”.
Napoli are still on the right track for a Series A title scoop, Gatuso nonetheless said he’s confused with the complains, saying its down to their lack of output in opponents half.
