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
Nottingham Forest signed Lorenzo Lucca from Napoli in January, a mini saga which Sport Witness covered at length.
The striker joined the Italian champions on loan with an obligation to buy in the summer. He failed to make a mark under Antonio Conte and also attracted criticism for some of his performances.
He left Naples only six months after his arrival, with Napoli signing Giovane from Hellas Verona as a replacement. Alisson Santos was also brought in as an attacking signing.
Lucca already has one goal for Nottingham Forest and his life has moved on. However, Conte seemed to take a swipe at him and Noa Lang at the weekend, right after Napoli’s 2-2 draw against AS Roma. Santos scored in the tie, coming up with a late equaliser.
Nottingham Forest player branded arrogant
The Italian was asked about the importance of Santos and Giovane in the side. He praised them but also appeared to describe Lucca and Lang as rather arrogant in their approach.
He said – relayed by AreaNapoli: “Alisson Santos and Giovane arrived in January, in a transfer window that cost us nothing. Alisson is better in one-on-one situations, Giovane is more of a striker.
“Two good guys, they have humility, and without arrogance, they make themselves available, accepting that we need to understand the dynamics of our game.”
TuttoSport – relayed by AreaNapoli, believe that this was an indirect attempt from Conte to point out the shortcomings of Lucca and Lang.
They believe the two players failed to make themselves fully available to the manager’s system. The pair also struggled to adapt to the workload at Napoli.
Lucca has shot at redemption at Nottingham Forest
While Conte’s words may concern some at Nottingham Forest, the adventure at the City Ground is a fresh start for him.
Not everyone is made for the manager’s system. He is very direct with his approach, even if it leads to player conflict.
That is why Lucca should see Nottingham Forest as a new lease of life. With Vitor Pereira now appointed, scoring a few goals under the Portuguese coach will go a long way to silencing critics in Italy.
The 25-year-old has previously proven himself at Udinese and it is time to do so again.