Former Fiorentina midfielder Borja Valero believes Napoli striker Romelu Lukaku is doing well under Antonio Conte because he understands the way the club play.
The 39-year-old officially retired from football in June 2023 but played his final season as a professional footballer in 2020-2021 with Fiorentina. Before that, he had spent three years at Inter, watching the Belgian international reach his peak under Antonio Conte.
The Belgium international has been criticise for his performances at both Chelsea and Manchester United, but during his time at Inter Milan under Conte, he impress, winning the Serie A title.
Although many people think that Serie A is a good fit for Lukaku, he didn’t shine as brightly as he did with Roma. When Conte took over at Napoli, he tried his best to bring his old subordinates back to work together again and was successful. Both of them are currently doing well and leading the league.
While Borja Valero admits Lukaku’s recent struggles may have had an ‘impact’ on him, he’s convince that the peculiarities of Conte’s football can help him revitalise his career once again, as he still ‘makes a difference in Italy’.
“Of course the last few years, even on a psychological level, have had an impact on him,” Valero told Tuttomercatoweb. “In my opinion, it has changed him a little bit, he has definitely grown.”
“But when he’s with Conte, he looks new UFABET because he understands Conte’s style of play. Which is two strikers, and when you have a striker like him who can really make a difference in Italy, I think it’s very important.”