Spalletti rues Osimhen’s missed opportunity against Lazio

Napoli manager Luciano Spalletti says his side were unfortunate to lose their impressive streak against Lazio on Friday.

The Partenopei had won eight consecutive games at home, before losing 1-0 to Lazio led by their former manager Maurizio Sarri.

The league leaders had not lost at home in Serie A since April 2022, in the defeat to Fiorentina – although they were knocked out of the Coppa Italia at home by Cremonese on penalties.

Matias Vecino decided the match, with a superb long ranger effort in the second half (67′).

Osimhen came close to scoring the equalizer but his headers rattled the woodwork and bounced off to safety.

“Lazio defended well, were fortunate on the crossbar. On a good day, that should have gone in. The goalkeeper also made a great save.

“While we were naïve with the clearance to the edge of the area for Vecino’s shot. He found that tiny gap between Rrahmani and the post, so congratulations to Vecino for that finish,” Spalletti said.

This defeat ended a run of eight consecutive Serie A victories for Napoli, the last four without conceding a single goal.