Victor Osimhen: Former Italy Coach Arigo Sacchi Slams Napoli Star's Performance in Barcelona Defeat

• Former Italy boss, Arigo Sacchi, has criticized Victor Osimhen's performance vs Barcelona
• The Nigerian striker was outmuscled by Blaugrana’s 17-year-old defender Pau Cubarsi
• The Serie A champions were eliminated from the UEFA Champions League after a 3-1 loss

Former Italy head coach, Arigo Sacchi, didn't mince words when assessing Victor Osimhen's performance in Napoli's defeat to Barcelona on Tuesday, March 12.

The Serie A champions were knocked out of the UEFA Champions League after a 3-1 defeat to Xavi's squad, sealing a 4-2 aggregate loss in the Round of 16.

Despite scoring Napoli's only goal in the first leg, Osimhen failed to leave a mark in the return fixture and, at some point, looked to be overrun by 17-year-old defender, Pau Cubarsi.

Sacchi, expressing his disappointment in his column for La Gazzetta dello Sport, highlighted Osimhen's lack of involvement and movement throughout the game.

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“What surprised me the most was the little involvement of Kvara and Osimhen, the two most awaited players. It’s true that they didn’t get much service, but at the same time, they didn’t move much and they did it in the wrong way, so it was easy for opponents to stop them," said Sacchi, as reported by Daily Post Nigeria.

Barcelona's advancement to the quarterfinals marked their first appearance in the stage since the 2019/20 season.

Fermin Lopez opened the scoring for the Spaniards in the 15th minute after a well-executed team move, with Raphinha assisting. Three minutes later, they doubled their lead through a swift counterattack, with Lamine Yamal and Raphinha combining before Joao Cancelo's shot was almost turned in.

Although the Italians managed to pull one back through Amir Rrahmani in the first half, Barca maintained their dominance. As reported by Pulse Sports, Sergi Roberto assisted Robert Lewandowski, who finished with a simple tap-in to seal the game in the second half.

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Osimhen wants Premier League move

Sports Brief reported Osimhen could play in the Premier League next season, according to transfer expert, Ben Jacobs.

Chelsea, Arsenal, and Manchester United have all been linked with an interest in the 25-year-old Nigerian forward.

They must battle French champions, Paris Saint-Germain, for his signature.