Victor Osimhen scored his 19th Serie A goal of the season to help 10-man Napoli beat Empoli 2-0 away from home on Saturday as they continue their chase for a first Scudetto title in over 30 years. 

The win sees the Naples side go 18 points clear of second placed Inter Milan who are set for a brunch date with Bologna on Sunday. The goal was Osimhen’s 10th in the new year.

He has scored in eight consecutive league games this season, a performance that sees him become the second youngest player (24 years, 58 days) in the three points for a win era to find the net in eight Serie A games in a row, behind only Roberto Muzzi (23 years, 165 for Cagliari in 1995).

Napoli got off to a fast start thanks to an early own goal from Ardian Ismajli in the 17th minute and Osimhen quickly doubled the advantage with an easy finish in the 28th minute.

Osimhen believed he had scored a brace just before the hour when he dribbled under pressure in behind the Empoli defense and tucked home, but he was just barely offside when the pass was played.

Mario Rui’s petulant kick at Francesco Caputo and subsequent red card after a VAR review almost dented the victory on the road, but the log leaders held on for a memorable win. 

Osimhen’s eight consecutive league goals also sees him become the first player to achieve the feat since Cristiano Ronaldo (11, between Dec 2019 and Feb 2020).