The smile Romelu Lukaku gave the journalists at Castel Volturno was perhaps the most anticipated sign from Napoli. "See you soon, come on," the Belgian said as he ran onto the pitch, displaying a desire and fitness that seemed far away just a few weeks ago.
In the first part of the training session, open to the media on the eve of the Champions League match against Benfica, the striker completed a personalized but intense workout: touches, acceleration, and shots on goal. These movements brought a sigh of relief to the coaching staff, still cautious but finally optimistic.
Lukaku then spent a long time with Antonio Conte, exchanging impressions and feelings about his recovery. For the coach, he's a key player, fresh from a lengthy rehabilitation program following a serious injury to his left rectus femoris sustained during the summer training camp.
His return isn't official yet, but it shouldn't be long in coming. The goal is clear: to travel with the team to Saudi Arabia, where Napoli will face AC Milan on December 18th in the Italian Super Cup semifinal. There, if everything goes smoothly, Lukaku hopes to finally get some minutes under his belt and kick off his new season with the Azzurri.
The feeling, today more than ever, is that "see you soon" is not just an encouragement, but a promise.
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