Napoli, their talisman is back: Lukaku available for the Super Cup, but… | OneFootball

After weeks of feverish anticipation, rumors, and strategic postponements, the news that all Napoli fans were waiting for has finally arrived: Romelu Lukaku is ready to return. The Belgian striker will officially be available for Napoli for the upcoming trip to Saudi Arabia, where the Italian Super Cup will be contested.

Lukaku, end of the ordeal: flies to Riyadh for the Super Cup, Conte will have him on the bench

The final decision puts an end to a saga that had suggested—later disproved—a possible appearance in the big match against Roma. Antonio Conte never wanted to rush things, reiterating in every press conference the mantra of absolute caution to avoid relapses that could have jeopardized the rest of the season. Now, however, the time is right for the green light.

According to Corriere dello Sport, the coach from Salento and the Neapolitan medical staff have agreed on a strategy that blends caution and enthusiasm: Lukaku will travel with the squad to Riyadh and will be regularly called up, initially taking a seat on the bench. This is not a lightning-fast recovery, but a careful management to gradually bring him back onto the pitch. It is, therefore, a crucial turning point for Napoli's season. In fact, Conte has never been able to count on his offensive “totem” in official matches since the start of this campaign, as the serious injury dates all the way back to the summer training camp in Castel di Sangro, sustained during a friendly in August. His return will be gradual and his playing time limited, but the mere presence of Big Rom on the squad list is a vital injection of confidence to launch an assault on the first trophy of the season.

Andrea Alati

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