Lucca relishing chance to learn from new Napoli team-mate Lukaku
Lorenzo Lucca scored his first goal for Napoli since his loan switch from Udinese, then took the time to laud new team-mate Romelu Lukaku.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca described Romelu Lukaku as "one of the best centre-forwards in Serie A", and he is looking forward to learning from his new team-mate.
Lucca's comments came following Napoli's 2-1 friendly victory over Catanzaro on Saturday, a game that saw the Italian score his first goal for Antonio Conte's side.
The 24-year-old joined the Partenopei from Udinese on loan for the 2024-25 campaign, with the deal having an obligation to buy for a reported €26m.
Lucca impressed last season, scoring 12 goals in 33 league outings, becoming the first Italian player to score that many times for Udinese since Kevin Lasagna in 2017-18 (12).
But after settling in to his new surroundings, Lucca took the time to praise new team-mate Lukaku, who was pivotal in Napoli's Scudetto success last season.
Indeed, the Belgian was the only player in Serie A to post double figures for both goals (14) and assists (10).
His 14 goals were his best scoring return in a single season in Europe's top five leagues since 2020-21 with Inter (24), when he also won the Scudetto under Conte.
"He is one of the best centre-forwards in Serie A," Lucca said. "I often ask him for advice. I want to learn from him as much as possible. Playing together would be great."
Lucca is one of six new arrivals in Naples, with Sam Beukema, Noa Lang, Luca Marianucci, Mathias Ferrante and Kevin De Bruyne also joining.
And the Italy international believes the team that Napoli are building will stand them in good stead for their title defence.
"I'm happy to be here. Naples has always been my first choice. Everyone welcomed me here, both the staff and the team and those who work here," Lucca added.
"I have a special relationship with [Alessandro] Buongiorno. We've known each other for a long time.
"But the group is tight-knit, united and everyone works with great dedication. The defenders push me to give my best and that's a good thing, it helps you grow."
