Romelu Lukaku proved he is still in scintillating form after scoring for Belgium in their opening FIFA World Cup qualifier last night, according to a report in the Italian media.
The Inter striker scored a second-half penalty in Leuven to secure a 3-1 win over Wales for Roberto Martinez’s side.
Gazzetta dello Sport’s print edition pointed out that Lukaku has now scored 58 goals in 90 appearances for his country, including 34 in his last 29 games.
They argued he had proven himself to be just as important for the Red Devils as he is for Antonio Conte at Inter.
Martinez didn’t have Lukaku join the squad until the last moment after Inter’s players were initially held at Appiano Gentile due to the club’s COVID-19 crisis.
The 27-year-old was eventually given the all-clear to travel by Milan’s local health authority and the former Everton boss didn’t think twice about throwing him straight into Belgium’s starting XI.
“After all he is in an incredible shape, you only need to look at what he’s doing in Serie A,” the Milan-based paper admitted.
“Thanks to Lukaku, Inter always seem to start one goal up on their opponents.”
Lukaku seemed to be having an off-colour night against Wales, having missed an incredible open goal in the first half when Belgium were 1-0 down.
Despite this, the Inter forward slowly got himself into the game and improved his display, which was capped off with a goal from 12 yards.
Lukaku admitted his team can still do much better during last night’s post-game interview.
