THE ROM AFFECT

Michael Nardi

With Lukaku’s transfer all but done to Inter Milan again, this once again could be the turning point in the Belgian’s career. After making his big-money move to Chelsea, things never seemed to work out; and his interview with Sky Italia did not help either. With the striker speaking about his love for Inter and his criticism of how he is used in Thomas Tuchel's style of play.

His form has dipped ever since that point. Lukaku struggled to adapt to playing with his back to goal and his technical flaws were exposed in Tuchel’s system, leaving the Belgian international struggling to get regular playing time. However, his likely move to Inter will give him the needed opportunity to show his quality again with both a city and club that he is very familiar with.

At Inter, Lukaku tallied 47 goals and 13 assists in 72 Serie A appearances for the Nerazzurri. He found his confidence with then-manager Antonio Conte and formed a great partnership with Lautaro Martinez in the process. Lukaku elevated his game, evolving from the target man with his time in England to a player who would run the channels and drive at his opposition, making him a handful to deal with.

He now returns to Italy in similar fashion to his first stint at Inter, as an underperforming striker looking to prove his worth to the world again. This time may even be a better situation for the Belgian to join Inter. With Simone Inzaghi at the helm, Inter is a more free-flowing attacking side than when Antonio Conte was orchestrating the play.

Inzaghi’s 3-5-2 is flexible, his side commits more men into the attack, overloads the wide areas for crosses, and still has similar counter-attacking principles that were present under Conte. Likewise, Inzaghi’s side creates plenty of chances, ranking first in expected goals in Serie A with 81.4, miles ahead of second-place Atalanta’s 66.4 tally. This will only help Lukaku, who will be given many chances to score and bag the goals needed to win Inter their 20th Scudetto.

Another important aspect of Lukaku’s return is the arrival of Paulo Dybala from Juventus. Inter will finally have a natural creator, something they have lacked with the inconsistency of Hakan Çalhanoğlu. Dybala’s ability to find space to receive the ball and set up his strikers will allow Lukaku to thrive, as he is deadly when running into space.

If Inzaghi uses Dybala, Lautaro, and Lukaku it will be the deadliest attack in Serie A and near the top in world football. It contains a mix of everything. Inter has set up a team that should favour Lukaku’s qualities; it is now up to the King of Milano to prove his worth once again.