Serie A: Osimhen scores 10th league  goal in Napoli’s draw against Cagliari

Victor Osimhen’s 10th Serie A goal for the 2023/2024 season wasn’t enough to secure all maximum points for Napoli in their Matchday 26 fixture against Cagliari at the Unipol Domus on Sunday. 

After earning a draw for Napoli in their midweek UEFA Champions League (UCL) match against Barcelona, Osimhen was lucky to have avoided punishment in the opening minutes of today’s encounter, after body-slamming Cagliari’s Yerry Mina into the ground following a moment of tussle between both players. 

The Islanders thought they had taken the lead in the 32nd minute when Amir Rrahmani who was trying to block Gianluca Gaetano’s free kick headed the ball into his own net, only to be saved by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) who ruled Gianluca Lapadula offside. 

After the break, Napoli seized control, with Osimhen finally breaking the deadlock with a free and diving header from Raspadori’s cross, to extend his impeccable goalscoring record against the home team.

Napoli’s hopes of victory were, however, dashed in stoppage time when Cagliari capitalized on a defensive lapse to snatch a late equalizer through Zito Luvumbo. 

The draw means Napoli have only gotten one win in their last five games (3 draws and one loss), as the current Scudetto holders continue to struggle in their quest for European spot finish.