A former Italy star has now criticised Nigeria star Victor Osimhen for not returning to his club Napoli from the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations earlier than he did.
The striker was in action as his side beat Juventus 2-1 in Serie A action courtesy of a 42nd minute strike from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and a late winner by Giacomo Raspadori.
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The Super Eagles attacker had a penalty attempt saved by Wojciech Szczesny but teammate Raspadori pounced on the rebound to save Osimhen's blushes and ensure three points in Gli Azzurri's hunt for a European finish.
Since returning from the AFCON after the Super Eagles reached the final of the continental tournament, the forward has netted five goals and also provided an assist in three games for his club.
Before rejoining the Neapolitan side after the tournament in the Ivory Coast, however, the attacker and the rest of his compatriots were hosted by Nigeria president Bola Tinubu in an honorary ceremony following their impressive run at the showpiece.
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It is understood that Osimhen departed for Italy soon after that event, but former Azzurri and Napoli star Paolo Di Canio has now criticised him for "delaying" his return to Naples.
"Osi is a sentence. We are talking about a decisive, fundamental striker," Di Canio said, per Tutto Napoli via Soccernet.ng.
"I don't like some of his behaviour, but when he goes on the pitch, he is devastating."
Elaborating on the behaviour he was referring to, the former West Ham United attacker explained: "I think about the delay in returning from the African Cup; you go to Lagos [sic, the team went to Abuja] to celebrate while you know that Napoli needs you.
"I'm not saying that he should have returned the next day, but I'll take my holidays another time. Also, to give a signal."
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The Super Eagles star will be hoping his run of good form can continue as Napoli prepare to take on Torino in a Serie A encounter on Friday, before travelling to Barcelona next Tuesday for the second leg of their UEFA Champions League round of 16 tie against the Blaugrana, with the aggregate score currently 1-1.
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