UCL: How Osimhen will be the difference against Milan in second leg – Aluko

Former Chelsea striker Eniola Aluko believes Victor Osimhen will be the difference when Napoli welcomes AC Milan to the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium for the second leg of their UEFA Champions League quarterfinal clash.

Osimhen, 24, was ruled out of the crucial encounter after sustaining a muscle injury during the international break with Nigeria.

The Super Eagles striker has been lethal in front of goal this season, netting 25 goals in the Serie A and UCL for the Naples-based club.

With his absence, Luciano Spalletti's side have struggled in their last two meetings against Milan, losing 4-0 and 1-0 in Serie A and UCL respectively.

Explaining the impact of Osimhen's absence in the Napoli side against the Serie A champions, the Lagos-born ex-England international, Eniola Aluko explained that the runaway Serie A leaders lacked the cutting edge.

However, she believes that the return of Osimhen in the second leg will offer the Parthenopeans a great chance of qualifying for the semi-finals.

“Napoli did not have that cutting edge that we’ve seen throughout the Champions League because Osimhen was not available,” Aluko said on BT Sport per Oma Akatugba.

“They did not have anything off the bench. Lozano was quiet, Raspadori came on but he was quiet.

“I think if they can bring Osimhen back, that will give them a bigger chance with Anguissa and Kim already ruled out.”

Napoli boss Luciano Spalletti has already disclosed that their talisman, Osimhen will be available for the second leg at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium.

WDN