Victor Osimhen received praise from Luciano Spalletti after scoring his first goal of the new year in Napoli’s 2-0 victory over Sampdoria.

As the Azzurri recovered from last week’s loss to Inter Milan by picking a vital victory against Sampdoria.

The Nigerian maintained his lead in the scorer’s chart by scoring his 10th Serie A goal at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris.

After Mario Rui, Napoli scored their first goal when Osimhen flicked a superb cross over Audero’s head.

Osimhen, who had a point, was praised by Spalletti.

He added: “He has a way of staying on the field where he takes on all the responsibility and uses all the characteristics he needs in these games.

Read Also:Lukaku hails Victor Osimhen as ‘best striker right now’ in Serie A

“Lately, he is paying more attention to the movements to be coordinated with the whole team.

“There are many leaders who are silent too, but this is what it’s about.”

Regarding his team performance, Spalletti added, “I saw a very mature squad that was able to think carefully in a game that could’ve become complicated if we had been too emotional in our reaction.

“We used our heads, the result was never in doubt.”

The victory increased their lead over second-place Juventus, who they play on Friday in what might be a season-defining match, to seven points at the top of Serie A.