Napoli Coach Gattuso Gives Verdict On Osimhen’s Debut

Napoli coach Gennaro Gattuso has dished out rare praise on Sunday when describing new signing Victor Osimhen as a “young lad with the head of a 40-year-old”.

Osimhen, 21, was brought on for his debut after an hour of Sunday’s Serie A match at Parma and made an instant impact in their 2-0 win.

“I was struck by Osimhen’s serious attitude,” said Gattuso. “He hasn’t forgotten where he came from and the sacrifices he made.

“He built himself up on his own and I congratulate him for his will and desire. He is a young lad with the head of a 40-year-old, I hope he doesn’t make mistakes and doesn’t change his attitude.”

Osimhen grew up in a tough district of Lagos, lost his mother at a young age and, along with his brother and sister, struggled in Lagos to help his family make ends meet.

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Gattuso said he wanted to get Napoli back into the top four again after last year’s turbulent season where they finished seventh after a late recovery and won the Coppa Italia.

This article was most recently revised and updated 1 year ago