Former Spartak Moscow forward Valery Kechinov shared a detailed assessment of Napoli’s narrow 1-0 defeat to Milan in the Champions League quarter-finals first leg, underscoring how the Italian side’s fate hinges on the fitness of their star striker Victor Osimhen. He argued that Napoli lose a critical fulcrum when Osimhen is unavailable, a factor that reshapes the dynamics for teammates like Khvicha Kvaratshelia. Kechinov contends that Napoli would carry a markedly stronger chance in the return leg if Osimhen can take the field again, because his presence amplifies the attacking partnership and the team’s overall strategic intent on both flanks and through the middle. In his view, Osimhen’s return would not simply replace goals; it would shift the entire rhythm of Napoli’s play and raise the ceiling for every runner behind him, including the creative midfielder Khvicha Kvaratshelia, whose movement and timing benefit greatly from the focal point Osimhen provides.
The former striker emphasized that Napoli showcased a sustained period of control during the match, generating high-quality opportunities and maintaining pressure on Milan’s defense for extended stretches. The central point of contention, he explained, is the dramatic difference in Napoli’s performance with Osimhen on the pitch versus without him. When the Nigerian frontman is involved, Napoli’s attack becomes more cohesive and lethal, as Osimhen’s instinctive finishing and hold-up play create openings that Khvicha and others can exploit. Kechinov noted that Milan, while sturdy on defense, struggled to neutralize Napoli when Osimhen was fully operative, and the footballing equation shifts entirely once he is sidelined. The analyst believes that if Osimhen can return for the second leg, Napoli will have a much clearer path to advancing, whereas the absence of the striker could tilt the tie toward Milan with a narrow margin in favor of the visitors.
In the return fixture, Milan’s 1-0 advantage from Ismael Bennacer’s strike puts Napoli in a position where tactical precision and squad depth will be tested to the limit. Kechinov assessed that Napoli must convert possession into decisive chances more efficiently and exploit every lapse in the Milan back line. Beyond Osimhen, the performance of Khvicha Kvaratshelia will be instrumental; his ability to orchestrate attacks, press high, and exploit spaces behind Milan’s wing-backs could prove decisive. The discussion extended to how Napoli’s approach might intensify once Osimhen is available, with the players around him adapting their runs to his movement, making it harder for Milan to anticipate the threat. The analysis suggests that the aggregate outcome of the tie will depend not only on Osimhen’s fitness but also on Napoli’s adaptability under pressure, their defensive resilience, and how quickly the team can translate control into goals in Naples.
Historically, Milan progressed through a challenging phase despite Napoli’s resilience, and the tactical landscape of European quarterfinals often rewards teams that maximize their lead and protect their advantage with disciplined defense. Kechinov’s perspective also touched on broader implications for the competition, noting that Napoli’s fortunes are closely tied to the form of their key players, the balance of the midfield, and the timely phase of the season. He further commented on the managerial context surrounding Chelsea, suggesting that Frank Lampard should be considered for renewed leadership opportunities at Chelsea in the near future, where the manager’s tactical intuition and readiness to innovate could be tested anew in high-stakes matches. The focus remains on the coming legs of the quarterfinals, where Napoli has a tangible chance to advance if Osimhen recovers and the squad harmonizes its attack around the striker’s strengths.