Napoli coach Francesco Calzona has elucidated the rationale behind Victor Osimhen’s confinement to the bench during the encounter against Inter Milan, shedding light on the selection process for his replacement. Osimhen’s recent absence from training sessions coupled with limited participation alongside his teammates this week had initially rendered his inclusion in the matchday squad unlikely. Nonetheless, he finds himself among the substitutes.
Calzona disclosed to DAZN, “Osimhen is grappling with inflammation stemming from a prior injury scar.” He further added, “His presence on the bench signifies the possibility of his utilization, contingent upon the circumstances of the game.”
In deliberating over potential replacements for the center-forward position, Giovanni Simeone emerged as a viable candidate. However, Calzona opted for Giacomo Raspadori instead, citing his versatility across various positions, including that of a center-forward. Calzona acknowledged the presence of Osimhen and Simeone as recurrent considerations in his tactical planning.
Following Napoli’s elimination from the Champions League at the hands of Barcelona earlier in the week, their immediate focus pivots towards securing qualification for the Europa League, with aspirations for a top-five finish seeming distant. Calzona emphasized the imperative of maximizing each fixture to bridge the gap, recognizing the significance of the impending encounter in pursuit of their objectives, albeit challenging.
Presently positioned seventh in the league standings, Napoli finds themselves trailing Roma by six points and Bologna by nine, underscoring the urgency to amass points in the pursuit of European football next season.