Napoli forward Victor Osimhen scored his 14th goal of the season in a 2-1 win over AS Roma on Sunday at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium, equaling his goal tally from the 2021/2022 season in the Italian Serie A.

The match was a closely contested affair with both teams creating several chances. But it was Osimhen who ultimately made the difference, scoring the opener in the 17th minute to give Napoli an early advantage. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s cross beat Roma defender Chris Smalling giving Osimhen the opportunity to control the ball with his chest, flicking it up on his knee before vollying the past Rui Patricio in goal.

Substitute Stephan El Shaarawy grabbed the equaliser for the visitors in the 75th minute, hitting the ball past Napoli’s goalie Alex Meret after a superb cross from Nicola Zalewski from a dead ball position. 

Intense pressure from the Partenopei paid off in the 86th minute with Giovanni Simeone scoring the winner to break the hearts of the visitors who were hoping to take home a point from the encounter. 

The goal was Osimhen’s 14th of the season in 16 league games, putting him level with his goal tally from the previous campaign in 27 appearances. The Nigerian has been in scintillating form for Napoli this season, and his 14 goals have been instrumental in the team’s success so far. 

Osimhen who was cautioned for a foul on Smalling in the 68th minute was replaced by Giacomo Raspadori in the 76th minute of the encounter. 

The win see Napoli go 13 points clear of second placed Inter Milan after 20 league games and 15 points off defending champions AC Milan who lost 5-2 at home to Sassuolo earlier in the day.

Osimhen has scored in four consecutive games for Napoli. The 24-year-old is two goals ahead of Nigerian teammate Ademola Lookman on the top scorer’s chart. Lookman has scored 12 league goals in his debut season.