Napoli Close in on Serie A Title as Osimhen and Kvara Shine

Napoli need just one more win to mathematically secure the 2025-26 Serie A title, and they could do it at home against Monza this weekend. Antonio Conte's side have been the best team in Italy by a considerable margin, and a second Scudetto in four years would confirm their status as the dominant force in Italian football.

Osimhen's 30-goal season

Victor Osimhen has been unstoppable. The Nigerian striker has 30 goals in 33 Serie A appearances this season, putting him on course for the Capocannoniere award and potentially the European Golden Shoe. His hold-up play, aerial dominance, and clinical finishing have improved with each season at Napoli, and at 27 he is in the absolute prime of his career. The fact that Napoli resisted offers exceeding 150 million euros last summer looks like one of the shrewdest decisions in modern football.

Kvara's creative genius

If Osimhen is the goals, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is the magic. The Georgian winger has contributed 12 goals and 15 assists, tormenting defenders with his dribbling and vision. His partnership with Osimhen is arguably the best attacking duo in European football — they have combined for 18 goals this season, reading each other's movements instinctively. Kvaratskhelia's new contract, signed in January, ensures this partnership will continue for years.

Conte's defensive structure

While the attack grabs headlines, Napoli's title challenge has been built on defensive solidity. They have conceded just 22 goals in 34 matches — the best record in Europe's top five leagues. Conte's 3-5-2 system, with Joseph Okumu among the centre-backs, provides a rigid structure that opponents struggle to penetrate. The Kenyan international has been a revelation since joining from Reims, bringing composure and passing quality to the back line.

What it means for Kenya

Joseph Okumu becoming a Serie A champion would be a historic moment for Kenyan football. No Kenyan player has won a major European league title, and Okumu's presence in one of Europe's best defensive units is a source of enormous pride. His performances for Napoli will also boost his standing ahead of AFCON 2027, where he will be the defensive leader of the Harambee Stars on home soil.