Inter striker Romelu Lukaku is performing similarly to how Zlatan Ibrahimovic did at his peak a few years ago, at least according to former Inter coach Alberto Zaccheroni.
Lukaku has been in fine form this season having netted 23 goals in 30 games, scoring again during Sunday’s 3-0 win over Ibrahimovic’s AC Milan in the Derby della Madonnina.
A report in yesterday’s papers argued the Belgian was desperate to make history at Inter by winning trophies under Antonio Conte.
“Lukaku takes care of the attacking department by himself, a bit like Ibra did years ago,” Zaccheroni remarked in an interview with Il Giornale.
“You give him the ball and then he creates the move for Inter.
“You can’t push Lukaku off the ball, he’s technical, rapid and powerful.
“Then Lautaro Martinez is good at attacking the spaces and moving around him.”
Zaccheroni, who last coached the United Arab Emirates national team, then admitted to being taken aback by how Inter performed in last weekend’s derby, where they opened up a four-point gap over their city rivals.
“To tell the truth, I didn’t expect it, even if it is evident that this is not the best moment for AC Milan,” Zaccheroni said.
“Inter have the best team without a shadow of a doubt but I did not expect them to win so clearly.
“The Nerazzurri are a team who have been built to play a leading role as Juventus have rejuvenated themselves, changed a lot and gone through some difficulties.
“We all stated that this had to be Inter’s year because there is a desire to win after difficult seasons.”
Zaccheroni then went on to discuss his thoughts on the Inter team, who are in a great run of form after winning 13 of their last 16 league games.
“Inter are confident, they are in shape and are finding continuity,” he added.
“Conte has revitalised the team and found the right position for certain players like Ivan Perisic, who has a great chance of winning the Scudetto after so many years at the Nerazzurri.
“Inter players have the opportunity to write history by winning the Scudetto and breaking the Juventus domination which has lasted for nine years.”
Inter’s next match will be on Sunday when they welcome in-form Genoa to San Siro, and Conte is desperate for his players not to underestimate the Rossoblu.