Is Osimhen’s form at Galatasaray a regret for Napoli and Conte? | OneFootball

Romelu Lukaku was unanimously rated as one of the worst Napoli players on the pitch in the clash against his former side Inter at San Siro on Sunday, raising questions on whether in-form Victor Osimhen could’ve been a more suitable profile to Antonio Conte’s side.

Osimhen’s form at Galatasaray

The 31-year-old was nullified by Francesco Acerbi, and the low level of threat that Napoli managed to carry during the match seemed strictly related to their striker’s inability to cause trouble for the Nerazzurri’s defence.

Despite scoring four goals from his opening 10 Serie A games, Lukaku keeps giving the impression of still being far from his best form, especially when required to attack in open spaces, when he seems to lack the pace that used to be one of his distinctive and most dangerous features during his seasons at Inter.

MILAN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 10: Romelu Lukaku of Napoli is challenged by Francesco Acerbi of FC Internazionale during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Napoli at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on November 10, 2024 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

On the other hand, Napoli loanee Osimhen is taking the Turkish league by storm as he scored six league goals in as many games at Galatasaray under José Mourinho, plus two Europa League nets, showing his potential is still intact.

Why Osimhen could’ve helped Napoli more than Lukaku

With Lukaku struggling particularly in big games, as he failed to score and looked under par against Juventus, Atalanta and Inter, it is legit to wonder how the Partenopei could perform with a striker who’s still at his peak.

Osimhen’s devastating strength and speed would be a terrific addition to Antonio Conte’s style of play, especially in fixtures like the one at San Siro, in which his side is required to defend deep and hurt on the counter-attack.

While Lukaku’s physicality can still make a difference when Napoli can establish themselves in the opponents’ last third, his lack of brilliance in one-on-one situations against strong defenders who mark him tightly ends up hindering his side’s offensive play, which could become a problem in the long term.

NAPLES, ITALY – APRIL 28: Victor Osimhen of SSC Napoli shows his disappointment after the Serie A TIM match between SSC Napoli and AS Roma – Serie A TIM at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on April 28, 2024 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

The Nigerian striker was unwilling to stay at the Stadio Maradona last summer and was therefore excluded by Antonio Conte’s technical project, only to end up at Galatasaray on loan after his potential suitors decided not to meet Napoli’s lucrative demands for his price tag.

However, such an in-form player could’ve been a perfect attacking frontman for the Partenopei, further boosting their Scudetto challenge.

Although the Azzurri could do little to keep an unhappy player, his permanence in Napoli would’ve been a great chance for both parties, as Osimhen could also benefit from playing under Conte in an extremely competitive side that is likely to fight for the Serie A title until the end.