Napoli 2-1 Cagliari: Osimhen's heroics lifts Champions past Cagliari and up to fourth

Victor Osimhen and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia scored in the second half as Napoli defeated Cagliari 2-1 at home in Serie A on Saturday, moving up to fourth place provisionally.

Champions Napoli, who had only one point in their previous four league games at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium this season, climbed two places to fourth with 27 points from 16 games.

They are 11 points behind leaders Inter Milan and two points ahead of fifth-placed AS Roma, who play Lazio and Bologna on Sunday.

Kickoff was delayed by 30 minutes due to strong winds, which slowed fan entry in some areas while officials checked the stadium's roof for safety reasons, according to Italian media.

Napoli defender Amir Rrahmani hit the post with a header just before the half-hour mark, as Mazzarri's side failed to capitalize on their early dominance, leaving the game level at halftime.

In the 69th minute, Osimhen headed Napoli ahead, with Cagliari keeper Simone Scuffet deflecting the ball onto the post only for it to bounce back into the net.

The Nigeria striker, who was named African Footballer of the Year on Monday, has now scored seven goals in Serie A this season and could have had more if he hadn't been sidelined for more than a month with a hamstring injury.

Cagliari forward Leonardo Pavoletti spoiled Napoli's party by equalizing three minutes later from close range.

But Kvaratskhelia regained the lead 15 minutes from time with another goal that bounced in off the post after Osimhen set him up via a brilliant assist.

Shortly after, winger Matteo Politano thought he had made it 3-1 with a low shot from outside the box, but his goal was ruled out for offside.

Cagliari, who have only beaten Napoli once in their previous 24 Serie A games, are 16th with 13 points.

Cagliari has three league victories this season and is one point above the relegation zone.

SportsLigue