Napoli: Lukaku steps up recovery, Conte eyes Roma return | OneFootball

A new tactical weapon and a guide for the locker room: this is how Big Rom can change the face of Napoli

Napoli, Lukaku speeds up his recovery at Castel Volturno: Conte aims to bring him back to the bench for Roma

Romelu Lukaku has started a race against time. The Belgian, still dealing with his recovery from the rectus femoris tear that sidelined him over the summer, has chosen to return to Naples well ahead of schedule and to work even on weekends, when the rest of the group enjoys some time off. At the Castel Volturno training center, Big Rom trains alone with a single goal: to get ahead of schedule and make himself available for the match on November 30th against Roma.

According to Corriere del Mezzogiorno, Ciro Troise describes a motivated and determined Lukaku, ready to turn his presence into a decisive factor both on the pitch and in the locker room. Conte, who closely follows every update, has reiterated a simple concept to his staff: “We need Romelu, not just as a striker, but as an emotional point of reference.”

The goal: call-up against Roma

The most realistic scenario is to see Lukaku at least on the bench for the night as a former player against the Giallorossi. A symbolic presence, certainly, but one that would have a strong impact on the team, which is currently searching for technical and identity stability.

However, his return will have to be managed with extreme caution. The therapy chosen by Lukaku is conservative, a solution that has avoided surgery but requires constant monitoring to prevent relapses.

“We can’t afford any missteps. The priority is to protect him,” is the shared stance between Conte and the medical staff.

The added value in the locker room

In today’s Napoli, which has lost certainty and cohesion, Lukaku’s presence can become a balancing element. His natural leadership, combined with his ability to direct pressing and dictate the tempo of moving the ball up the field, serves as a reference point for the younger players and a direct ally for Conte in the group’s internal dynamics.

A new tactical idea: the Lukaku–Hojlund duo

The return of Big Rom also opens up tactical scenarios that Conte is already considering. The coach has started studying the 4-4-1-1 formation, a setup that would allow Lukaku to play alongside Hojlund, creating one of the most physical and complementary pairs in Serie A.

Lukaku could act as the central reference point, shielding the ball and helping the team move up the field, while Hojlund would have the freedom to attack the depth and exploit space. Two different characteristics, but perfectly compatible in a more vertical and aggressive style of football.

“With those two, we can explore new solutions,” Conte is said to have remarked in one of the latest tactical briefings.

A challenge that goes beyond physical recovery

This race against time is not just about the Belgian’s return, but the overall balance of Napoli. Lukaku’s comeback could represent the turning point in a season leading directly to the World Cup, one that requires clear technical choices, surgical energy management, and strong leadership on the pitch.

If everything goes according to plan, the evening of November 30th could mark the beginning of Conte’s new Napoli.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.