“Napoli need him” – Victor Osimhen wows former Lazio and Palermo star after stunning Atalanta assist

The Nigeria international returns from his injury layoff to make an instant impact for the Partenopeans in Bergamo at the weekend

Former Lazio striker Salvatore Campilongo has revealed his admiration for Victor Osimhen following the Napoli star’s incredible assist against Atalanta on Saturday, Soccernet.ng reports. 

Osimhen had been sidelined since mid-October after cupping an injury during Nigeria’s friendly match against Saudi Arabia in Portugal.

In Osimhen’s absence, Napoli suffered an embarrassing 0-1 loss at home to struggling Empoli penultimate weekend, which led to the sacking of manager Rudi Garcia.

New boss Walter Mazzarri included Osimhen in the Napoli squad that made the trip to Bergamo despite the Nigerian being far from full fitness.

Osimhen was introduced into the encounter just past the hour-mark after compatriot Ademola Lookman had cancelled out Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s opener.

With ten minutes left on the clock, Osimhen stretched to win possession back for Napoli in Atalanta’s danger area, allowing Eljif Elmas to fire home the winning goal.

Lamezia Terme head coach Campilongo insists Osimhen showed with that contribution that he is among the best strikers on the planet.

And the former Palermo man is convinced that Napoli lack top-level quality when Osimhen is not in the team.

“Osimhen? Without him, Elmas never scores that goal,” Campilongo told Radio Punto Nuovo, as per Terzotempo Napoli.

“He is a striker who makes the difference, one of the best in the world and Napoli absolutely needs him. The team has a different weight with him on the pitch; his teammates also feel more calm in throwing long shots.”

Osimhen has six goals and two assists in Serie A this season.

The 24-year-old forward will look to hit his first goal in Europe this season when Napoli head to the Santiago Bernabeu to trade tackles with Real Madrid on Wednesday.