Victor Osimhen: Bologna Star Defender Shares Tactics He Used to Contain Napoli Striker

• Bologna defender, Riccardo Calafiori, explained his strategy to contain Napoli's Victor Osimhen
• Calafiori maintained a high concentration level to limit the Nigerian striker's scoring chances
• Thiago Motta's men emerged 2-0 winners in the Serie A at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium

Bologna's Riccardo Calafiori has disclosed his tactical approach to thwarting Victor Osimhen's offensive prowess during the Serie A clash on Saturday, May 11.

Throughout the encounter, Calafiori closely shadowed Osimhen, limiting his opportunities on the ball and frustrating Napoli's attacking advances.

Despite an early penalty opportunity for the hosts, which the Nigerian earned but failed to convert, Petroniani's defence held firm, denying the forward any clear-cut chances to score.

The match, played at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, eventually ended with a 2-0 win for Thiago Motta's men.

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In a post-match interview, Calafiori reflected on the intense battle against the Super Eagles star, acknowledging his tenacity while affirming his commitment to maintaining defensive focus. He stressed the need for sharp concentration in the face of the forward's threat.

“We played a very good match. We have to stay like this, and I also have to maintain concentration against Osimhen who is really annoying," he remarked, as reported by Complete Sports.

Fabio Cannavaro weighs in on Osimhen

Meanwhile, Italian football legend, Fabio Cannavaro, weighed in on Osimhen's impact, offering insights into the challenges defenders face in containing the prolific forward's goal-scoring threat.

Cannavaro, the 2006 Ballon d'Or recipient, stressed the importance of defensive discipline and tactical awareness when confronting players of his calibre.

"In the games with Lilian, Nesta, Maldini - I knew I could go early because if I made a mistake, I was covered. Today, this happens very little. But there are attackers like Osimhen, who was certainly difficult to mark," he said in an interview with Radio Serie A, as quoted by Tutto Napoli.

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Osimhen equals Maradona's record

Sports Brief reported Osimhen equalled Diego Maradona's record after his hat-trick against Sassuolo in February.

With the treble, he has scored at least 10 Serie A goals in four straight seasons, with 10, 14, 26, and 13 goals respectively.

He joined the Argentinian (1984-85 to 1987-88) and Attila Sallustro (1929-30 to 1932-33) on that list to stand with the elite.