What Gennaro Gattuso told me about Victor Osimhen - Rohr

Nigeria head coach Gernot Rohr has revealed what SSC Napoli manager Gennaro Gattuso told him about Victor Osimhen.

The 22-year-old striker, who transferred to Napoli for a club-record fee of €70 million from French side Lille OSC in July 2020, has failed to leave up to expectations at the Italian Serie A club thus far.

Osimhen has netted just two goals from six matches in the Serie A and he has struggled with injuries and he was also sidelined after testing positive for the coronavirus.

Napoli are also struggling this season as they are placed sixth on the league standings and Rohr has now disclosed that Osimhen is learning from Italy and AC Milan legend Gattuso.

“Napoli are an excellent team, but they have been unlucky this season,” Rohr told Corriere Dello Sport.

“Gattuso is a good coach and Victor told me he trusts him a lot and what he’s teaching him. I think he can get results already this season.”

Rohr also revealed that Osimhen is close to returning to full fitness with Napoli set to face Bologna in a league game on Sunday.

“Unlucky season for Victor so far. I have heard him in these hours and he told me that he is fine, physically and mentally,” he added.

“He is ready to return to the field with Napoli and also with the national team”.

Osimhen is expected to be part of the Nigeria squad which will face Benin and Lesotho in the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers later this month.