Can Lorenzo Lucca be the centre-forward Nottingham Forest need? | OneFootball

Lorenzo Lucca could realise a childhood Premier League ambition at Elland Road tonight as Nottingham Forest seek fresh impetus for a striker whose Napoli spell stalled.

According to NY Times, Forest have taken the 25-year-old on loan from Napoli until season’s end, with an option to buy for around €40million, a deal brokered by agent Giuseppe Riso.

The 6ft 7in, 201 cm, forward is at his eighth professional club after Torino’s academy, a two-goal senior debut at 16 with Athletico Torino, and spells with Pisa, Ajax and Udinese. He won the first of five Italy caps in October 2024 and scored 14 goals last season.

Napoli signed him in July 2025 on a €9million loan with a €26million obligation, with Antonio Conte envisaging a direct outlet. Romelu Lukaku’s injury and a clunky 4-1-4-1 featuring Kevin De Bruyne disrupted that plan. Rasmus Hojlund then arrived on loan, scored on debut, and Lucca ended with one Serie A goal in 16 games, plus a dissent red card in a 6-2 defeat to PSV.

Since arriving, he has impressed on the training pitch and was an unused substitute in the 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace. Sean Dyche says he moves well, looks fit and appears eager to make a mark.

He will become the Premier League’s tallest striker, yet he is a classic No 9, mixing runs in behind with hold-up play. Competition is stiff, with Igor Jesus on 11 goals and Taiwo Awoniyi fit while Chris Wood recovers from a knee injury.

Source: NY Times