## Napoli's Osimhen Benched In Serie A Clash Against Empoli
Napoli's Victor Osimhen was surprisingly benched for their Serie A clash against Empoli on Saturday. The Nigerian striker had been in impressive form for the Partenopei this season, scoring six goals in his last five league appearances.
### Reasons Behind Osimhen's Absence
Manager Luciano Spalletti provided little insight into the decision, stating that he "wanted to give other players a chance." Sources close to the club, however, suggest that Osimhen has been struggling with a minor muscle injury.
### Replacement and Formation Change
In Osimhen's absence, Spalletti opted for a three-man attack led by Hirving Lozano, Giacomo Raspadori, and Giovanni Simeone. The change in formation saw Napoli switch from their usual 4-3-3 to a 4-2-3-1.
### Impact on Napoli's Performance
Despite Osimhen's absence, Napoli remained dominant in the match. They controlled possession and created numerous chances. However, they lacked a clinical edge in front of goal, with Lozano and Raspadori missing several scoring opportunities.
### Empoli's Resilience
Empoli, meanwhile, defended resolutely throughout the match. They ceded possession to Napoli but remained well-organized and compact. Their goalkeeper, Guglielmo Vicario, made several impressive saves to keep the scoreline down.
### Final Result: Napoli Draw 0-0
In the end, Napoli were unable to break down Empoli's defense. The match ended in a frustrating 0-0 draw, which saw the Partenopei drop points in the Serie A title race.
### Conclusion
Osimhen's absence was a significant blow to Napoli's hopes of victory against Empoli. However, the team still performed well and created numerous chances. The result highlights the importance of squad depth and the need to have multiple players who can step in and contribute when needed.