Italy legend Chiellini narrates ‘struggle’ with Osimhen, advises defenders

Napoli’s Victor Osimhen and Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini

Legendary Italy and Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini has offered advice to defenders on the best way to stop Nigeria and Napoli striker Victor Osimhen from scoring.

Chiellini made this known while reacting to Napoli’s 2-1 win against Cagliari at the weekend.

Osimhen scored and provided a world-class assist in the win against Cagliari.

The Super Eagles striker is one of the most feared strikers in the Italian topflight after finishing top scorer last season with 26 goals.

Despite his fearsome reputation in front of goal, Chiellini stated that Osimhen could be stopped.

“You let him take the ball towards you, which is not dangerous,” the 39-year-old was quoted on Sky Calcio Club.

“Even if he turns he doesn’t bother me and when he gets into the area I’m on top of him and don’t let him breathe.

“It’s difficult for the ball to enter the net on its own, they always score the goals, Osimhen scores them, not Zielinski in the third half. If Politano then scores from 30 meters I’ll tell him well done, but it doesn’t happen very often.”

The Euro 2020 winner with Italy explained how the reigning CAF Player of the Year was able to score against Cagliari.

“In his goal against Cagliari I don’t see anyone close to Osimhen, I only see two in the area and the cross can only arrive there: it’s a mistake.

“If I had been there Osimhen wouldn’t jump, with a shoulder I would have made sure he didn’t reach the ball. I wouldn’t have taken it, but he wouldn’t have taken it either.”

However, the veteran defender admitted that he struggled trying to contain the Super Eagles star.

“Which striker bothered me the most? Honestly, I marked Lautaro well, Osimhen a little worse. I struggled more. I