Hirving Lozano in form for the 2022 World Cup

Even though the 2022 World Cup is just days away, the top European leagues are still in full flow this midweek. On Tuesday night, Napoli faced Empoli in matchday 14 of Serie A on Tuesday, a game in which Mexican international Hirving Lozano once again showed his undoubted quality with a decisive display from the substitute’s bench.

In the 67th minute of the clash at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, Napoli striker Victor Osimhen was caught in the box by visiting defender Razvan Marin. Referee Luca Pairetto pointed to the spot and up stepped Pachuca academy product Lozano, who had come onto the field just a matter of minutes earlier. The Mexican converted from 12 yards to set his team on the way to a crucial victory and provided an assist soon after for fellow sub Piotr Zielinski as Napoli collected three more points, which send them eight clear of AC Milan at the top of the Serie A standings.

‘Chucky’s’ strike, and impact from the bench, drew huge praise on social media from Tri fans, who are excited that the winger is coming into form just in time for the World Cup, which kicks off with hosts Qatar facing Ecuador on November 20.

Lozano joined Napoli from Dutch club PSV in August 2019 and has netted 30 goals in 132 matches in all competitions for the Italian club. The 27-year-old, who has found himself in and out of his club’s starting line-up in the 2022-23 campaign, will be one of the first names selected on Gerardo Martino’s 26-man roster – due to be revealed in the coming days – and is expected to be one of El Tri’s main attacking threats in the World Cup.