Inside track on how Lorenzo Lucca could thrive for Nottingham Forest as the new 'Pizza Crouch' | OneFootball

Inside track on how Lorenzo Lucca could thrive for Nottingham Forest as the new 'Pizza Crouch' | OneFootball

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·6 February 2026

Inside track on how Lorenzo Lucca could thrive for Nottingham Forest as the new 'Pizza Crouch'

Article image:Inside track on how Lorenzo Lucca could thrive for Nottingham Forest as the new 'Pizza Crouch'

Nottingham Forest’s new striker Lorenzo Lucca has the 'Pizza Crouch' tag and could feature at Leeds United tonight. According to Nottingham Post, the six ft seven in forward joined on loan from Napoli with a £35 million option, has impressed in training, and was on the bench for the 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace.

Sean Dyche’s cross-heavy approach looks tailor-made. The January signing is there to attack deliveries from Dan Ndoye, Omari Hutchinson, Dilane Bakwa and Callum Hudson-Odoi.


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Italian observers say he is a dominant aerial target who holds up play and finishes with his head or powerful shots. They add he lacks pace and can struggle in tight areas or lose discipline. Frequent crosses and a partner running into space could suit him.

His best spell came at Udinese, 14 goals last season and 29 goal involvements, including 23 goals, in 75 games across two years. He found Napoli under Antonio Conte tougher, two goals in 23 outings and just one in 16 in the league.

With Chris Wood sidelined and Arnaud Kalimuendo loaned to Eintracht Frankfurt, Lucca will compete with Igor Jesus, while Taiwo Awoniyi remains in the mix after scoring against Brentford last month. Forest also note his English is better than expected and see scope for development.

An Udinese flashpoint, when he took and scored a penalty ahead of Florian Thauvin against Lecce, showed stubbornness and single-mindedness. If he gets regular minutes, service and a direct system, he could flourish in the Premier League.

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