Serie A: Napoli eases past Cremonese in Coppa Italia revenge

• Napoli played host to Cremonese in the Serie A just a month after taking defeat in the Coppa Italia from the same opponents
• Cremonese knocked Napoli out of the Coppa Italia in the Round of 16 on January 17
• Victor Osimhen was once again on target as Napoli earned a routine win over Cremonese in the Serie A

Victor Osimhen increased his lead over the field goal scorers as he assisted Serie A’s top-seeded Napoli in their 3-0 victory against last-place Cremonese.

In the second half at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, the Nigerian international added a close-range goal to Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s earlier strike. Eljif Elmas added a third late on to seal the deal.

For home coach Luciano Spalletti, the three points came with a side order of vengeance after his team was eliminated by the visitors from the Coppa Italia last month. As a result, they now lead by 16 points.

Napoli forward Khvicha Kvaratskhelia celebrates after scoring the opening goal against Cremonese in the Serie A on Sunday, February 12 2023. | PHOTO: Eurosport |

Despite a strong performance from his squad, Cremonese manager Davide Ballardini believes that his team’s chances of securing top-flight survival are getting slimmer by the matchday.

Napoli dominated the opening quarter while playing in the Valentine’s Day uniform they introduced against the same opponents in their earlier cup match.

Napoli dominated the opening quarter while playing in the Valentine’s Day uniform they introduced against the same opponents in their earlier cup match.

Kvaratskhelia took advantage of a sloppy clearing to dance his way back into the box for a low finish, opening the scoring for them in the 21st minute, which came as no surprise.

Both teams squandered several excellent opportunities, including one that Osimhen missed with a header. Just before halftime, the hosts also had a penalty claim rejected.

Napoli players celebrate after Victor Osimhen scored the second against Cremonese in the Serie A on Sunday, February 12 2023. | PHOTO: BBC |

Seven minutes into the second half, Hirving Lozano nearly gave Napoli a second goal as he forced Marco Carnesecchi into a daring save.

Osimhen was unstoppable in the 65th minute when he flicked Kim Min-header jae’s over the line after the goalie parried a corner kick.

In only his 18th appearance, Osimhen scored his 17th league goal of the year, putting him five goals ahead of joint-second-placed Lautaro Martinez and Ademola Lookman.

Napoli had a two-goal lead and might have coasted to victory, but Elmas scored with little over 10 minutes left to seal an even more comfortable victory.