Former Inter star Christian Vieri believes the physical preparation work of coach Antonio Conte has been key to Nerazzurri striker Romelu Lukaku finding form this season.

Belgium international Lukaku leads the club’s scoring chart with 18 Serie A goals, as well as seven assists, as Inter sit six points clear at the top of the table.

Speaking on his own Twitch stream yesterday alongside former Inter and Italy forward Antonio Cassano, Vieri claimed that Lukaku’s prime physical condition since joining from Manchester United in 2019 was down to the meticulous work of Conte and it was now paying dividends.

“In my opinion, in England he scored a lot of goals but he was never lucid and struggled, whilst he has improved since joining Inter, thanks to Conte,” Vieri claimed.

“We can see the work of Conte’s work, making him train so much harder and put in a huge effort. He has got him into perfect physical condition and Lukaku needed a coach like that, who hammers him.

“The more Romelu trains, the better he is and today he is in incredible shape. He is 100kg but has a delicate left foot.”

Vieri represented Inter from 1999 to 2005, scoring 123 goals in 190 appearances for the Nerazzurri before joining rivals AC Milan on a free transfer.

The striker helped Inter win the Coppa Italia in 2005 and won the Capocannoniere crown as Serie A’s top scorer with the club in 2002-03.