Inter striker Romelu Lukaku was heavily criticised by the Italian press after Belgium’s goalless draw with Croatia and subsequent exit from the World Cup in Qatar.
The 29-year-old Nerazzurri forward came on a half time in the clash and desperately tried to make a difference for the Red Devils, but a number of high profile misses saw him in the crosshairs of observers. Lukaku came into the tournament managing a hamstring injury and it’s clear that he never reached full fitness in Qatar, leaving him bitterly frustrated after their elimination.
Lukaku had five shots against Croatia, producing an expected goals of 1.73, but all of them failed to punish Zlatko Dalić’s side, who held on to book their spot in the Round of 16 of the World Cup.
La Gazzetta dello Sport did reference Lukaku’s hamstring injury but also highlighted the “too many wrong shots on goal” and added “impossible acquittal and he’s the first to know it.”
Tuttosport were even harsher, essentially blaming the Inter striker for Belgium’s exit from the competition, noting “the responsibility for Belgium’s elimination is almost all on his shoulders. He missed three easy goals in an inexplicable way.”
Corriere dello Sport underlined how Inter will need to try and help Lukaku return to his best after a difficult experience, saying “Qatar returns to Inter a centre forward to be rebuilt from top to bottom.”
Lukaku’s ratings in the Italian newspapers:
La Gazzetta dello Sport: 4
Corriere dello Sport: 4
Tuttosport: 4