Victor Osimhen began his new Serie A campaign in the Referee’s bad books as he was sent off for punching an opponent but Napoli managed to secure a 2-0 win against new comers Venezia.
Osimhen had a promising start to the game as he twice harassed the Venezia goalkeeper and defence into early errors with his pressing.
But in the 23rd minute the 23-year-old was a bit too aggressive when shoving Venezia defender Daan Heymans as they tussled on a corner and the referee opted for a straight red card, considering it to be a punch.
Tyronne Ebuehi who joined Venezia on loan featured from the start before going off in the 51st minute.
But his Nigerian teammate David Okereke was not included in Venezia’s matchday squad as he is yet to be cleared after his transfer.
It was not the best of starts to life for Simy Nwankwo and Joel Obi, as they suffered defeat with Salernitana away to Bologna in their first game of the season.
Both Simy and Obi joined newly Salernitana in the summer and came on in the second half.
While Simy was introduced on 64 minutes, Obi came on with eight minutes remaining in the game.
Joe Aribo scored his first goal of the season as Glasgow Rangers of Scotland recorded a 4-2 away win against Ross County at the Victoria Park on Sunday.
The combative midfielder was replaced by Kemar Roofe in the 83rd minute, while his international teammate Leon Balogun was on for 90 minutes.
Everton’s Alex Iwobi made his first start of the season as the Toffees were forced to a 2-2 draw by home side Leeds United, in Saturday’s Premier League.
Iwobi who came off the bench to assist a goal in the Toffees’ opener, was then replaced with 15 minutes left in the game.
And at Selhurst Park, newly promoted Brentford held Crystal Palace to a 0-0 draw.
Frank Onyeka got the nod to start again for the Bees before he was withdrawn in the 70th minute.
Watford’s Nigerian trio of William Troost-Ekong, Emmanuel Dennis and Peter Etebo were also in action as the Hornets crumbled to their first defeat of the season against to Brighton.
