Napoli, Big Rom returns: Conte welcomes back his missing leader | OneFootball

Here comes Romelu Lukaku again. After months of waiting, therapy, and hard work in the gym, Napoli is ready to welcome back its center forward. Today, the Belgian giant will board the plane taking the team to Saudi Arabia for the Italian Super Cup, marking the end—at least psychologically—of a long ordeal that began in August.

Lukaku in Arabia with the team: gradual return, Hojlund remains the starter against Milan

His return is not just a matter of numbers, but a pure injection of confidence for the entire environment. Conte regains his technical and locker room leader, the man with broad shoulders and a strong character who was sorely missed during delicate moments. For Thursday's semifinal against Milan, Lukaku will experience the match from a different perspective compared to recent weeks: no longer in front of the TV or in the stands, but on the bench, at the sidelines, close to his teammates to transmit grit and advice.

However, as Corriere dello Sport precisely points out, enthusiasm should not make us lose sight of physiological reality. Big Rom is back at the team's disposal, but it will still take time before we see him dominating opposing defenses again. His physical condition is obviously behind the rest of the group, and his return to the pitch will be extremely gradual. Conte's strategy is clear: careful management and no rushing. Also because, in his absence, Napoli has found a Rasmus Hojlund in a state of grace. The Dane, who arrived at the end of the transfer window precisely to cover for the emergency created by the Belgian's injury, will continue to lead the attack in Riyadh as well. Lukaku will be the extra weapon, the precious and charismatic presence that completes the group, waiting to return to being the absolute protagonist on the pitch.

Andrea Alati

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