Victor Osimhen Matches Diego Maradona’s Record for Napoli After Hat Trick vs Sassuolo in Serie A

• Victor Osimhen has scored his first hat-trick of the season
• The Nigeria striker scored in Napoli's 6-1 win over Sassuolo
• He has equalled Diego Maradona's record with those goals

Victor Osimhen was on fire in Napoli's 6-1 thumping of Sassuolo in Serie A on Wednesday, February 28.

The Nigerian superstar scored two of his three goals in the first half, before securing his second treble for Napoli.

The three goals saw him match a record held by Napoli legends, Diego Maradona and Attila Sallustro.

The reigning Serie champions went into this encounter looking for their first win under new boss, Francesco Calzona. They had drawn 1-1 against Barcelona and Cagliari last week.

The hosts opened the scoring early in the first half, but Napoli responded 10 minutes later through Amir Rrahmani, per AP.

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Napoli's next five goals were scored by their best players, Osimhen and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. It was a much-needed win ahead of a massive showdown with Juventus this weekend.

The Serie A champions are eighth in the table with 40 points, 26 behind leaders, Inter Milan. They have had three coaches this season so far, and their title defence ended months ago.

Osimhen matches Maradona's record

Osimhen has scored in every game since returning from the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations with Nigeria. The Super Eagles suffered a painful defeat to hosts Ivory Coast in the final.

With his hat trick, he scored 11 goals in Serie A. He joins club legends, Maradona and Sallustro, as the only players to score at least 10 Serie A goals in four straight seasons, per Opta.

The 25-year-old has scored 13 goals in all competitions so far. Last season, he became the first African to win the Serie A Golden Boot.

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In that campaign, he scored 26 goals to help Napoli win their first league title in 33 years. He has 12 games left to match that tally this season.

Calzona's warning to Osimhen

Sports Brief earlier reported on Calzona sending a warning to Osimhen and Napoli players after the Nigerian was subbed off shortly after scoring against Barcelona.

The new coach of the Serie A champs categorically stated that he doesn't look at the players' names and that any players would be substituted if they underperform.