Victor Osimhen: Former Juventus Star Emmanuele Giaccherini Backs Napoli Striker After Penalty Miss

• Emmanuele Giaccherini has defended Victor Osimhen after his penalty miss
• The Nigerian striker had a late penalty saved by Juventus' Wojciech Szczesny
• Osimhen's partnership with Kvaratskhelia has been vital to Napoli's success

Napoli clinched a narrow 2-1 victory over Juventus in a pulsating Serie A clash at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium on Sunday, March 3.

The spotlight, however, fell on striker Victor Osimhen after his late-minute penalty was denied by Wojciech Szczesny, only for Giacomo Raspadori to salvage the situation with a rebound goal.

Osimhen's penalty woes are not new, having missed three out of seven spot-kicks for the Gli Azzurri since the 2022-23 season kicked off.

Despite this, former Italy star Emmanuele Giaccherini has come to the Nigerian's defence, stressing that a player's worth should not be solely judged by penalty misses.

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"Penalties are wrong, we know. That’s not what you judge a player by. What I look at is Osimhen's work," he said, as quoted on All Nigeria Soccer.

He highlighted the Super Eagles forward's ability to draw multiple opponents, creating space for teammates like Georgian Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to capitalize on. This partnership, he believes, could elevate the team's performance both domestically and in Europe.

While Osimhen has been the designated penalty taker for Napoli lately, fans have expressed discontent with his recent performances. The Nigerian striker's inconsistency from the spot has raised questions about the team's penalty-taking strategy.

Despite this setback, Osimhen's return from AFCON has seen him regain form, finding the net from open play.

According to Transfermarkt, Osimhen's penalty record is two successful conversions out of four attempts this season.

On a positive note, Napoli's interim coach Francesco Calzona remains optimistic about his resurgence. Calzona praised the striker's recent performances, stressing his pivotal role alongside Kvaratskhelia in the team's success.

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The Nigerian has bagged 11 goals in 16 league appearances this season.

Chelsea asked to pay €130 million for Osimhen

Sports Brief reported that Napoli were demanding €130 million from Chelsea for the Osimhen's signature,

The 25-year-old Nigerian is top on the shortlist of strikers for the Blues this summer as they seek to reinforce their attack after an underwhelming 2023/24 season.

The club is reportedly ready to cash in on the forward but will accept nothing but his entire release clause.