David Okereke helps Cremonese dump Victor Osimhen’s Napoli out of Coppa Italia 

By Wale Mustapha

Nigerian striker, David Okereke produced an impressive performance for Cremonese when they account for the elimination of Napoli from the Coppa Italia on Tuesday .

Cremonese forced the game to shootouts after both sides canceled each other out with 2-2 draw in normal duration and extra time.

Okereke produced the opening goal of the night when his cross was turned in by Charles Pickel in the first half.

Moments later, Okereke almost got one himself from a similar position, firing wide after getting away from Leo Ostigard.

Napoli who wore a special jersey for the match as a protest to demand an end for incessant domestic violence and to raise funds for the victims got back into the game with a controversial equalizer that was tucked in by Juan Jesus.

Napoli turned the game around completely, as Alessio Zerbin floated in a cross from the left for the glancing header of Cholito Simeone.

Just as Napoli were coasting home to victory, Cremonese equalised with Ghanaian winger Felix Afena-Gyan heading home an inch perfect cross from Luca Zanimacchia

The extra time was more of one sided affairs as Napoli threatened Cremonese defense on many occasions but couldn’t find the space to utilized despite the introduction of more first team players including Victor Osimhen.

The encounter could only be settled by a penalty shoot-out with Napoli’s Stanislav Lobotka made the only mistake, firing wide of the target, allowing Felix Afena-Gyan kept to convert the winner for Cremonese.

The bottom placed side in the league will be taking on AS Roma in the Quarterfinal stage.