Napoli’s new season has kicked off with a noticeable absence, Victor Osimhen, the club’s star striker, was left out of the squad for their Coppa Italia opener against Serie B team Modena.
Under the guidance of new manager Antonio Conte, Napoli took to the field without Osimhen, opting for a forward line consisting of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Matteo Politano, and Giacomo Raspadori.
The match ended in a 0-0 draw after regular time and was decided by a penalty shootout, which Napoli won 4-3.
Kvaratskhelia, who played as a center-forward in Osimhen’s absence, scored the decisive penalty.
Despite the victory, Napoli’s lack of a traditional striker was evident throughout the game.
Conte’s decision to exclude Osimhen has fueled ongoing speculation about the striker’s future at the club.
Napoli’s sporting director, Giovanni Manna, confirmed prior to the match that Osimhen had indeed requested a transfer.
Manna stated, “He asked to leave. We are calm because we have players in the squad who can replace him in the best way.”
Manna added, “The situation is clear, there were already chances for his exit last summer… Victor wants to leave. We will see in the next 20 days.”
Osimhen has attracted interest from several top European clubs, including Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea, and Arsenal.
However, with PSG and Chelsea reportedly withdrawing from the chase, and Arsenal still in the mix, along with potential offers from Saudi Arabia, Osimhen’s next destination remains uncertain.
As the transfer window nears its end, Napoli will be keenly watching developments to see if a suitable offer meets their asking price.
