Former Italy players divided on Conte’s Hojlund-Lukaku dilemma | OneFootball

Former Lazio goalkeeper Luca Marchegiani feels Antonio Conte should consider starting Romelu Lukaku and Rasmus Hojlund, but Beppe Bergomi hits back: ‘It’s not a tactic I’d use from the start.’

Lukaku and Hojlund scored vital goals for Napoli on Saturday, helping the Partenopei secure a big 2-1 win away at Verona.

It was Lukaku’s first goal of the season, as the Belgian has recently returned to action after suffering a severe muscle injury during pre-season.

Bergomi: Lukaku and Hojlund to play together for Napoli ‘but not from the start’

VERONA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 28: Romelu Lukaku of SSC Napoli celebrates after scoring his team second goal during the Serie A match between Hellas Verona FC and SSC Napoli at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on February 28, 2026 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Sky Sport Italia pundits Bergomi and Marchegiani, both former Italy players, discussed whether Conte should start both strikers in the upcoming matches.

“They’re both [Lukaku and Hojlund] left-footed, both love to start from the right to cut inside,” Bergomi said.

“Hojlund is quick and fast. You can try, but it’s not a tactic I’d use from the start, but rather during the game.”

Marchegiani replied: “It’s a season where the teams that play two strikers seem to be reaching their targets. Inter have scored 20 goals more than the others.

VERONA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 28: Rasmus Hojlund of SSC Napoli celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the Serie A match between Hellas Verona FC and SSC Napoli at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on February 28, 2026 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

“Torino put two strikers in and won the game against Lazio. Conte is a coach who can find the right chemistry among players who don’t seem to fit well together. He has changed the system many times this season, and right now, Napoli would benefit from such a shock.”