Before joining Nottingham Forest in January, Lorenzo Lucca endured a torrid time at Napoli.
The striker didn’t score a single league goal under Antonio Conte. He had failed to break into the first-team, even when Romelu Lukaku was injured.
Rasmus Hojlund established himself firmly instead. Lucca attracted criticism and before Napoli exercised their obligation to buy, Nottingham Forest signed him on loan.
The Italian is yet to make his debut for Sean Dyche’s side. In the meantime, talk is growing about how he could fare and whether he can turn things around in the Premier League.
Udinese sporting director Gianluca Nani, who played a role in signing Lucca and selling him, spoke to Tuttomercatoweb about the player. He backed him to succeed and return to scoring.
“I think it’s just a matter of time. He went to the Premier League, which is one of the best leagues.”
Nottingham Forest signing not an Italy international by chance
Nottingham Forest target Lorenzo Lucca
EINDHOVEN, NETHERLANDS – OCTOBER 21: Referee Daniel Siebert shows a red card to Lorenzo Lucca of SSC Napoli during the UEFA Champions League League Phase MD3 match between PSV and SSC Napoli
Nani further stated that the 25-year-old has a lot to make a mark in England.
“l’m sure he’ll find a way to succeed; he has all the right qualities. You don’t get to the national team by chance.”
The next few months can prove to be critical in Lucca’s career.
His Napoli spell was his first at a major club. The 2024/25 season was the only time he had scored the ten goal mark in the top-flight.
Lucca’s move to Naples came right after that but he couldn’t really live up to the promise.
The switch to Nottingham Forest comes at a time when he needs to prove himself. If he does well, he could be in fray for a call-up to the Italian national team. If things don’t work out, his stock can fall further and he can then return to Napoli.