The Azzurri led by Francesco Calzona put on a brilliant show to defeat a pitiful Sassuolo, and there were echoes of Luciano Spalletti's Scudetto-winning team at Mapei Stadium with Osimhen proving how pivotal he is to the team once again.
Amir Rrahmani scored the opening goal with a brilliant backheel from Frank Anguissa after Giovanni Di Lorenzo threaded a low ball into the box. Rrahmani gladly scored the equalizer.
The second was conjured up 120 seconds later with an almost identical move. Di Lorenzo found Matteo Politano this time, who sent up Victor Osimhen for the goal, Nigeriasoccernet.com writes.
Before the half, the Nigerian scored twice after Politano's clumsy pass placed him up once more.
Last season's leading scorer and African player of the year finished his hat-trick just minutes into the second half. Taking advantage of yet another defensive blunder, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia gave his teammate the easiest finish possible.
Speaking after the mauling of Sassuolo in his post match pressers, Calzona commented on the form of Victor Osimhen and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia who notched three and two goals respectively on the night with the Nigerian also grabbing an assist.
"Osimhen is getting back to his best and that's clear to see. The Africa Cup of Nations is incredibly draining both mentally and physically and he needed to get into top shape again. Kvara is finding his old sparkle as well.”
By Olaleye Oluwadamilola