st Serie A goal since October 17

Victor Osimhen scored on his first start for Napoli in 77 days in their 2-0 win over 10-man Venezia at the Pier Luigi Penzo Stadium on Saturday in a Serie A fixture.

The game was the first start for the Nigeria international since suffering a cheekbone fracture in Napoli’s 3-2 loss to champions Inter at the San Siro on November 21 after he was involved in a clash of heads with defender Milan Skriniar.

The 23-year-old put the visitors in front in the 59th minute, jumping highest to connect with Matteo Politano’s cross from the right flank while Andrea Petagna put the game to bed in the 100th minute.

Osimhen’s compatriot, Tyronne Ebuehi was shown a straight red card in the 95th minute.

The goal was Osimhen’s first in the Serie A in 112 days. He last scored a league goal in Napoli’s 1-0 win over Torino on October 17.

It is his sixth goal in 14 Serie A games this season and 10th in all competitions in 17 appearances having scored four goals in three Europa League games before fracturing his cheekbone.

Osimhen has missed 12 games in all competitions this season due to calf and cheekbone injuries while missing another game due to s red card suspension.

Despite being out of action for such a lengthy period, he is Napoli’s second league top scorer behind Dries Mertens who’s on seven league goals.