Inter have been praised for their decision to offload striker Mauro Icardi and bring in Romelu Lukaku by Italian journalist Paolo Condo.
Argentina international Icardi netted 124 goals in 219 appearances for the Nerazzurri between 2013 and 2019, but was sent out to Paris Saint-Germain on loan before being sold permanently in 2020, as coach Antonio Conte sought Lukaku instead.
Appearing on Italian television broadcaster Sky Sport Italia yesterday, Condo felt that losing the goals of Icardi in favour of bringing Lukaku in from Manchester United in 2019 had been a risk, but one that had proved to be a good decision.
“When you decide to part with Icardi who made millions of goals and take Lukaku, leaving the certain for the uncertain is not easy, but it was a choice that paid off enormously,” Condo claimed.
The journalist also praised Conte’s impact at the Nerazzurri as he led the club to the Scudetto in his second season at the club, having enjoyed instant success with both Juventus and Chelsea.
Inter wrapped up the Serie A title last weekend and played their first home game since becoming champions yesterday, with a 5-1 win over Sampdoria.
“Today is the day when you miss your fans the most. Conte has reached a point where it is right to take stock. He goes to Juve and wins in the first year, as well as at Chelsea, Inter in the second because it is more difficult.
“[Juventus defender Giorgio] Chiellini said that Conte is worth an extra 10 points. When the competition is tight this makes the difference,” Condo added.
