By Victor Kanayo
Current Seria A leaders – Napoli have stretched their summit dominance with seven points after they beat Sampdoria 2-0 on Sunday, ahead of second-placed Juventus.
The defeat pushed Sampdoria to the bottom three of the League.
Nigeria’s Super Eagles hitman Victor Osimhen again scored for the club.
The Nigerian opened scoring while his teammate Eljif Elmas doubled the goal for Napoli.
Sampdoria finished the match down to 10 men after they have Tomas Rincon sent off after just 38 minutes. Sampdoria finished the match in 18th place.
Osimhen’s first-half strike and Eljif Elmas’ penalty with eight minutes left on the clock was enough to earn Luciano Spalletti’s side all three points at a soaking-wet Marassi.
Napoli were awarded a penalty inside four minutes when Nicola Murru brought down Andre-Frank Anguissa as the midfielder looked to bring the ball down in his stride and threaten the Sampdoria goal.
Matteo Politano stepped up but Emil Audero produced a strong left hand to guide the ball onto the post as Sampdoria managed to get the rebound clear.
Despite the quick start from Napoli, the hosts grew into the game and troubled the league leaders with a handful of big chances.
Manolo Gabbiadini steered an effort wide at the near post, and Bram Nuytinck headed a cross over the bar from close range.
Sampdoria would go on to rue their chances as Napoli flew down the other end through Mario Rui, with the left-back producing a great cross for Osimhen to poke the ball over the head of Audero.
Things went from bad to worse for Sampdoria as Tomas Rincon was shown a straight red card for a foul on Osimhen, who was far too quick for the home defender as he brought the Nigerian down with a flailing leg as Osimhen beat him for pace and drove toward goal.
Despite the man advantage, Napoli struggled to break Sampdoria down in the second half but eventually claimed a second with their second penalty of the match, converted by Elmas.
