The Naples coach, who won the Scudetto with the Nerazzurri and Lukaku in 2021, cannot currently give a press conference without being questioned about the Devil’s (mis)form. “You ask me the same thing every time. Romelu’s development depends on the team and not just himrepeated Conte. The collective is the basis of everything.”
The pique de Materazzi
Arriving at the foot of Vesuvius, at the end of the transfer window, Lukaku was physically behind for a long time, having not participated in the preparation. According to the Italian press, he has just completed a cycle: that of double training sessions. While being in poor form, the Belgian scored 4 goals and delivered 5 assists in 10 appearances with Naples. A satisfying return, all the same. But that obviously does not protect him from criticism in the Boot. “Romelu has not yet demonstrated the reasons why Conte insisted so much on attracting him”for example declared Marco Materazzi this week, also questioning the ability of the attacker “to score in important matches”.
At the dawn of this momentous duel against Inter, Conte recovered Stanislav Lobotka. The Slovak’s return from injury would also give ideas to the coach who is looking to put Lukaku in the best conditions on the attacking front. If he can deploy Lobotka in midfield, Conte would consider placing the infiltrator Scott McTominay higher on the board. Closer to Lukaku, therefore. The Scot’s runs would then create space so dear to Big Rom.
Hoping for him that his reunion with Inter goes better than last season: with Roma, Lukaku lost twice against his former club.
