Disjointed Napoli held as Osimhen returns
Napoli dropped rare points in its quest for the Serie A title as Luciano Spalletti's leader was held to a disappointing goalless draw by Hellas Verona at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.
With Spalletti managing his squad ahead of the UEFA Champions League clash with AC Milan, fit-again striker Victor Osimhen began on the bench alongside Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
Napoli lacked inspiration in a low-key affair and went closest after the late introduction of its star duo, Osimhen rattling the crossbar with a terrific volley.
While Napoli's first Scudetto since 1990 appears a formality with its lead at the summit currently 14 points, Spalletti will demand far better with its European dreams on the line next time out.
Napoli thought it had the lead when Matteo Politano's drive deflected in after 20 minutes, but the goal was ruled out because of the offside Mathias Olivera interfering with the play.
Alex Meret was forced to push a rasping long-range strike from Kevin Lasagna away as the break approached, with the depleted hosts struggling to create during a flat opening period.
Napoli skipper Giovanni Di Lorenzo nodded narrowly wide from Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa's cross 56 minutes in, before Giacomo Raspadori sent a prodded effort off-target.
Spalletti introduced Kvaratskhelia and Osimhen – the latter for his first club appearance in almost a month – as Napoli grew more desperate, but the relegation-threatened visitors continued to stand firm.
Osimhen almost enjoyed a dream return when he struck a fierce volley from the edge of the area with eight minutes left, but his strike crashed off the woodwork and away as Verona held on – even missing a glorious chance to snatch the win when Cyril Ngonge shot wide from a rapid break.
