Lorenzo Lucca made his Nottingham Forest debut on Friday and found the net against Leeds United.
While the result wasn’t a favourable one, it showed that the Italian definitely has an instinct for goals. It also came as a welcome reminder to the player about his abilities, as he struggled for Napoli in the first half of the campaign.
The Italian side signed the talented Giovane from Hellas Verona right after Lucca’s sale to Nottingham Forest. Despite the Brazilian having obvious ability, he hasn’t hit the ground running.
This is causing some frustration in Naples and it is all linked to Lucca’s sale.
La Repubblica – relayed by AreaNapoli, note that Antonio Conte himself was desperate for Lucca. He was also keen on Sam Beukema, who too hasn’t quite made a mark this season.
Confusion over Nottingham Forest transfer
Nottingham Forest arrival 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
The newspaper believe the 25-year-old was more of a ‘rejected’ player than a ‘failed’ one as Conte refused to use him regularly. This prompted his exit last month, and there’s second thoughts already.
Regret is now growing, with La Repubblica claiming Lucca is ‘already an idol’ at Nottingham Forest. This is making many wonder why Napoli signed the player in the first place.
It is a criticism of the Italian club’s recruitment, with Beukema’s role in the side also diminishing. The newspaper feel quite confused about why the club treated the player a little unfairly.
Napoli inserted a hefty obligation to buy in the loan deal for Lucca. Usually, Italian clubs don’t really commit to a deal like that unless they are very confident in a player. The manner in which he was then utilised in Naples makes everything more confusing.
Nottingham Forest’s offer was financially tempting, however, Napoli are in a transfer battle and it’s believed that should have taken prominence.