Romelu Lukaku is finding form at just the right time for Inter as the season nears its end. The Belgian frontman scored twice as the Neroverdi, though dressed in yellow, beat Sassuolo 4-2 in an exciting Serie A fixture at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza.
It could be argued that Inter might have been able to mount a more serious title challenge had Lukaku been showing his late-season level of performance throughout the campaign, but injuries and a general lack of form in front of goal saw him frustrated for much of the 2022/23 season. Instead, Simone Inzaghi’s side were never contenders with Napoli and have had to settle for a race to finish in the top four, albeit while reaching a Coppa Italia final and now being 90 minutes away from the Champions League final as well.
Big Rom’s big performances
Inter’s recent comeback win over Lazio in Serie A saw Lukaku at his very best, even without getting on the scoresheet himself. Then, he excellently assisted Robin Gosens and Lautaro Martinez and was as instrumental as anybody in the turnaround and eventual victory over the Biancocelesti.
That wasn’t the start of his fine run, nor the end. With his days at Inter seeming limited now and a return to Chelsea – against his will – looming this summer, Lukaku has been sending regular reminders to Inter’s higher-ups of what he can offer, and what he did for them in their scudetto-winning season under Antonio Conte before departing for West London.
Those upstairs at Inter will be watching the Belgian’s recent performances and won’t be able to avoid discussions about making his return to Milan permanent or, at least, bringing him back again on loan next season if an agreement can be found with Chelsea.
Against Sassuolo, Lukaku rifled in a goal that showed his confidence to open the scoring on 41 minutes, unleashing a pinpoint strike from outside the area into Andrea Consigli’s top corner. His second, the goal that sealed the points and ended Sassuolo’s hopes of a comeback, demonstrated his composure late on when through on goal. Between the two, he showed how wide-ranging his skill set is when fit and firing.
The win, and Lukaku’s goals, move Inter above Lazio and into third in the Serie A table with three matchdays to play. For now, though, their thoughts will be on the second leg of their Champions League semi-final against AC Milan, and Lukaku will be hoping to build on their 2-0 advantage after the first leg.
