The 2023/2024 season is upon us, clubs after the transfer hid and seek will now have to confront the task ahead with the tools and armories they have in the Arsenals.
The major weapon for the season are primarily the first team players and the coaches. While some of these players are newly recruited, others by now should have understood the terrain and the expectations of the club and and from them.
Streamlining this to Nigeria players in top leagues in Europe, Nigeriasoccernet.com beam it search light on Nigeria players in Italian Serie A on this episode
Victor Osimhen (Napoli)
Osimhen last season was the go-to player of the team, so much so that his absence in the first-leg of the quarterfinal fixture against AC Milan cost his team a place in the semis.
The striker last season scored 26 league goals, won the league best striker and also the league top scorer’s award.
His success cut across Africa after he beat the great George Weah’s goal record of 45 (the highest by any African in the Serie A). The mask man did not just break the record but he continually add to his tally.
With the club being able to keep him for the new season after transfer requests for several top clubs in Europe, all eyes will be on the 24 year-old more than ever before.
Expectations
Osimhen now has new coach in Rudi Garcia. Garcia’s formation thrives on the back of his pacy forward. And with Osimhen being a traditional center forward, the former Lille striker may have a slow start under the new manger but could then shine like a million after shaky beginning even more than he did last season.
Ademola Lookman (Atalanta)
One of the few player in the Serie A last season who gave his compatriot (Osimhen) a big run until injury took the best of him.
Lookman had a fantastic first half of the season, scoring seven goals and assisting two in the Serie A. He also in the process won the league’s Player of the month ones and finishing behind Osimhen for the same gong in January.
Lookman at some point had 12 goals and 5 assists in 24 games in the Italian league.
Yet, the former Everton player’s went without a goal in three months for the Nerazzurri.
Expectations
His deep in form was majorly due to the injury and the underperformance of the team at large, but all of that is water under the bridge now and Serie A had better be ready for him because his second season in the league will sure be better.
Isaac Success (Udinese)
The 27 year-old is a regular in the starting line up of Le Zebrette but in his thirty league appearances, Success has one goal to his name last season.
Although he is familiar to the league but the forward has not lived up to the hype from the coaches.
Expectations
Even in his poor goal return, his 6 assists provided last season can be a point of motivation.
His mostly like to do better that than last season but it will be an achievement for Success to do a double digit.
Simeon Nwanko (Salernitana)
With 22 goals, no goals and zero assists in the Serie B last season, it is difficult to see Simeon do wonder this season in the Italian top flight. However, his experience in the league could turn things around.
Expectations
10 goal contribution from him this season could keep his club in the league for another year but the chances is low.
Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan)
Uneasy lies the head that wear the crown. Chukwueze start to life in the Serie A is with loads of demand as the 24 year-old came highly recommended after a memorable five years in Spain with Villarreal.
His pace, tricks and surging run from the flanks have placed him on s high pedestal among the Milan fans. The winger will surely have his time in the new club and likely going to be a instant hit.
Expectations
Adjusting to a new terrain and big club like Milan can be overwhelming and history over time has not favor past Nigeria players who have worn the jersey. So, Chukwueze will come big just as his compatriot, Osimhen adjust to the league almost a season after he joined the Serie A champions.
Tyron Ebuehi (Empoli)
With 2 goals and 4 assists in 26 appearance last season as a defender, is good a positive one for the right fullback. Although, his defensive responsibility need to improve.
Expectations
He already played almost an hour for Empoli in the first Round of the Coppa Italia. His relevance in the team can only get better so much so that he could as well be implored as a right wing midfielder.
Kingsley Ehizibue (Udinese)
Another Nigeria right-back in Italy but with more experience. Ehizibue has been in Italy now for over three years and his playing time has increased over the seasons. Last season, the 28 year-old contributed 2 goals in 27 league appearances.
Expectations
Bar injuries, the Dutch-born Nigerian defender should have a better performance than last season with Udinese and hopefully the club have a stable managerial appointee.
Olujimi Dare Ogun