In Verona, in the 95th minute, Napoli rediscovered their center forward, and the center forward rediscovered himself. Romelu Lukaku scored the goal that earned three crucial points and, more importantly, his first goal of the season: a liberation after months marked by summer surgery and the loss of his father, Roger, who passed away in September.
"Before I came here, I was dead," the Belgian striker confessed to DAZN, looking heavenward. "These have been difficult months on a personal level. I'm moving forward for my children, my brothers, and for Naples, which has given me so much."
A season that started off uphill
Lukaku's return has been gradual: first rehabilitation, then the stands at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium, and finally some game time. The Belgian, who scored 14 goals in last season's Serie A title, had long been a forced spectator during the Azzurri's season.
In Verona, however, his trademark returned: box-to-box instincts and physicality. A "Lukaku-esque" goal, like the one against Cagliari 281 days earlier that had helped secure the Scudetto for Napoli.
Conte's move and the turning point of the match
The Azzurri's match had started well, with Rasmus Højlund taking the lead, but Antonio Conte's team then stopped attacking the penalty area, allowing Verona to build momentum and equalize.
The coach's reaction was immediate: Lukaku came on alongside Højlund, a double striker to restore depth. The move paid off in stoppage time, when the Belgian converted a late charge into the winning goal, unleashing a frenzy on the bench and the coach.
The successful bet and the season finale
Conte had wanted Lukaku as the attacking lynchpin in the summer of 2024, replacing the departing Osimhen: a controversial choice, but one that proved decisive in the Scudetto. Now the coach has his attacking powerhouse back at the crucial moment: eleven games to defend the Champions League spot and try to overtake AC Milan for second place.
The agreement with Højlund and the new tandem
The prospect of a two-man attack also intrigues Højlund, who has already scored 13 goals this season: "I'm happy that Lukaku is back. We're working on playing together: I don't know who will be the pivot, but I'm learning every day from a complete striker like him."
Signs of a growing understanding that could become the decisive weapon in the final sprint.
From fall to rebirth
The goal in Verona is worth more than a victory: it confirms Lukaku's return after 281 days without scoring and the darkest period of his career. "This year is difficult, but we have to aim high," he said.
Napoli has rediscovered its number nine, and with him the ambition of staying in the shadow of the big clubs. The Antwerp native is once again a key figure.
Source EDITORIAL TEAM
Choose the social channel you want to subscribe to