Conte Hails Lukaku's 'Atypical' Skills Following Napoli Debut Success

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Antonio Conte, Napoli's coach, lauded Romelu Lukaku after his stellar performance in their 4-0 triumph over Cagliari on Sunday. Lukaku, who reunited with Conte after their successful stint at Inter Milan, scored and assisted twice in the match. This victory marked a significant moment for Napoli as they climbed to the top of the table.

Lukaku has quickly adapted to life in Naples, scoring in a 2-1 win against Parma before the international break and again against Cagliari. He also provided assists for Giovanni Di Lorenzo and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. This was only the third time he scored and assisted multiple times in a single game in Europe's top five leagues, with two of those instances occurring under Conte.

Conte expressed his admiration for Lukaku's unique abilities, stating, "I have always said that I wanted Romelu at Inter, had also requested him at Chelsea before he went to Manchester United because he is an atypical striker." He praised Lukaku's physical strength and speed, noting that although Lukaku's condition isn't yet optimal, he remains crucial for the team.

The victory propelled Napoli to the top of the Serie A standings ahead of Inter Milan's match against Monza later on Sunday. The Partenopei have bounced back impressively from a 3-0 defeat at Verona by securing three consecutive wins. However, Conte remains cautious about their title chances.

Conte emphasized that all teams are still adjusting following a late transfer window closure. "We need to keep improving on duels all over the field, keeping focused and concentrated because that is what you require in Serie A," he said. He stressed the importance of continuous hard work and maintaining focus without being distracted by other teams' performances.

Lukaku's reunion with Conte has been fruitful so far, mirroring their successful partnership at Inter Milan where they won the Scudetto in the 2020-21 season. His contributions have been vital for Napoli as they aim to maintain their strong start to the season.

Conte concluded by highlighting the team's dedication over recent months. "We've worked hard over the last two and a half months; we've got to put on the blinkers and keep pushing forward without looking at anyone else," he stated.

This disciplined approach reflects Conte's commitment to building a resilient team capable of competing at the highest level in Serie A.