Serie A leaders Napoli’s Coppa Italia dreams were dashed in dramatic fashion on Thursday night after Lazio, led by an unexpected hero in Tijjani Noslin, handed the reigning champions a 3-1 defeat.
The Nigerian forward, eligible to represent the Super Eagles, netted a brilliant hat-trick, propelling Lazio into the quarterfinals, Footballrover reports.
Noslin’s clinical finishing on the 32nd, 41st, and 50th minutes left Napoli’s defence scrambling, while Giovanni Simeone’s equaliser wasn’t enough to prevent the Serie A leaders’ elimination.
Although Noslin was the standout performer, his compatriot and Super Eagles midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru also played a part as Lazio secured a home victory over Napoli to reach the Coppa Italia quarterfinals.
Tijjani Noslin’s hat-trick knocks Napoli out
Napoli’s hopes of lifting the Coppa Italia were shattered in the Round of 16, and the result has left many questioning coach Antonio Conte’s decision to field a heavily rotated side.
Despite Conte’s strategy to rest key players like Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Romelu Lukaku, the defeat to Lazio was a significant blow.
While Napoli’s focus may now shift entirely to their Serie A campaign, Lazio fans are optimistic that Noslin’s standout performance marks the beginning of a strong run for the 24-year-old forward.
Tijjani, who has yet to represent any nation at senior or youth levels, remains eligible to play for Nigeria.
His hat-trick against Napoli has certainly increased the spotlight on the Dutch-born forward, who could soon make his mark with the Super Eagles.
Napoli will now look to regroup, with a crucial Serie A clash against Lazio just days away.
They sit four points ahead of their Roman rivals, and a win would extend their lead at the top of the table, keeping them firmly in the race for the Scudetto.
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