From Conte to Inzaghi: what will change for Lukaku?

Romelu Lukaku has admitted that he kept contact with Simone Inzaghi during 2021-22, but what does his new coach expect from him compared to Antonio Conte?

The Belgium international has completed a loan move to Inter, ten months after his €113m permanent transfer to Chelsea. He never really settled at Stamford Bridge and scored only 15 goals in 44 appearances under Thomas Tuchel.

Lukaku had netted 64 goals in 95 games with the Nerazzurri during his two-year spell under Antonio Conte and was coached by Simone Inzaghi for barely a week a year ago, before his return to Chelsea.

“I remained in contact with him [Inzaghi] throughout all of last season,” Lukaku said on Wednesday.

“I think the coach is doing well with the squad, so I want to contribute to doing what is best for this club.”

But what will change for the Belgian striker at the Stadio Meazza?

Conte and Inzaghi play with a similar system, but their approach to the game is somehow different. Inzaghi’s teams keep possession more than those of Conte, although it is wrong to say that the current Tottenham boss only uses counter-attacks as his tactical weapon.

Lukaku often gives his best when he has space in front of him, but during his two-year spell at Inter, he frequently unlocked defences thanks to his physical strength.

There are not many defenders in Serie A who can match his physicality, especially when he holds the ball up front. This is a feature that Inzaghi will need to use often, especially when playing against teams that sit deep. In big games, the former Lazio coach may need to change his approach to make the most of Lukaku’s characteristics which are not the same as Dzeko’s.

Do you remember Big Rom’s goal in the Milan derby in February 2021? His sensational solo run perfectly summed up his physical and technical skills and finishing abilities. Dzeko can’t do that, so Inzaghi will have an extra attacking weapon he should use wisely next season.

The 46-year-old is a former striker and knows exactly how to get the best out of his centre-forwards. Lazio star Ciro Immobile scored 149 goals in 217 games under the former Biancocelesti coach at the Stadio Olimpico and Inzaghi seems to have clear ideas on how to use Lukaku.

Before the Belgian returned to the Stadio Meazza, he had told some of his closest friends that the Belgium international was the best striker he had ever coached, even though they worked together only for barely a week.

Lukaku has proved to be a complete striker who gives his best when playing close to a strike partner, rather than remaining alone up front. Lautaro Martinez will surely be the perfect shoulder for the 29-year-old, who will offer Inzaghi several tactical weapons. Oddly, Inzaghi may need to adapt to Lukaku rather than the other way around, but the early signs seem to show that the coach already knows what to do with his new signing.

@lorebetto