Napoli criticised for Osimhen's management: 'Conte can't score goals'

La Gazzetta dello Sport criticises how Napoli handled Victor Osimhen’s transfer situation as the Nigerian forward is not available against Hellas Verona despite lack of offers: ‘Conte can’t score goals.’

Antonio Conte’s Napoli make their 2024-25 Serie A debut at the Stadio Bentegodi on Sunday evening against Hellas Verona.

Giacomo Raspadori or Giovanni Simeone will start in attack, while Osimhen won’t even go on the bench.

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The Nigerian forward is pushing to leave the Stadio Maradona, but no club has paid his €130m clause yet.

Chelsea and PSG have been in talks with Napoli and their star striker, but the Partenopei have received no formal offers yet.

“It’s natural to wonder if the management of Osimhen from the club has been impeccable,” wrote Gazzetta dello Sport journalist G.B. Olivero on Sunday.

“They have to honour their promise to sell, as Conte said during his unveiling press conference, but without an offer and an actual negotiation, why haven’t the club used a champion who, moreover, has been abundantly paid?”

Napoli have already identified Romelu Lukaku as Osimhen’s replacement, but Chelsea are unwilling to accept offers below €43m.

“There would be no problem if they already had a replacement, but Lukaku is still waiting for the green light, so Conte can neither start the Belgian nor the Nigerian, who may leave,” added Olivero.

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“Can they still win in Verona with Raspadori or Simeone? Of course, they can, but Napoli must turn the page with the strength of results and a new project after a bitter season. The club wisely picked a coach accustomed to taking responsibilities that do not belong to him, but he can’t sign players alone or solve complicated situations like Osimhen’s.

“Picking Conte and leaving him without a striker (and other elements) for the season debut is a negative signal for Napoli, who can’t afford a slow start, and Conte can’t work miracles or score goals.”

Even Conte complained about the Osimhen transfer situation on the eve of the game against Hellas Verona and admitted that he expected a “better” Napoli.

The ex-Italy international has signed a three-year deal at the Stadio Maradona.