Former Inter midfielder Nicola Berti has backed out-of-sorts striker Romelu Lukaku to turn his fortunes around and change the outcome of the Scudetto race. Despite the Belgian’s massive injury problems and his form woes at the World Cup, Berti believes the Chelsea loanee has what it takes to turn the Serie A title race on its head.
In his recent interview, Berti identified Lukaku as a crucial factor in helping Inter improve on their current fifth place in the Serie A standings.
“Lukaku’s return could turn the Scudetto race on its head. He’s still refining his understanding with Dzeko. He and Lautaro [Martinez] already have a long history together,” he said, as relayed by FCInterNews.
Lukaku returned to Inter on a season-long loan only a year after re-joining the Stamford Bridge outfit in a blockbuster £97.5m deal. After failing to settle in west London, the 29-year-old forced his temporary reunion with the Nerazzurri, yet it has yet to pay dividends.
Having spent most of the first half of the 2022/23 season on the sidelines nursing injuries, Lukaku timed his return to fitness to perfection. He made himself available to Belgium for the final World Cup group-stage clash against Croatia.
However, instead of being the catalyst to inspire De Rode Duivels to a coveted knockout progression, Lukaku’s amateur misses had cost his nation dearly. Now back to club duties, the former Manchester United flop, who has made just three Serie A starts this season, hopes to do things differently for Inter.
Simone Inzaghi’s men headed into the World Cup break a whopping 11 points adrift of table-topping Napoli. With only one league goal under his belt in 2022/23, Lukaku will have to step up to the plate if Inter are to solidify their position in the top-four battle, let alone their faint Scudetto bid.