Italy and Lazio defender Francesco Acerbi has given his opinion that Inter’s Romelu Lukaku is one of the best strikers at the European Championships, considering his strong club form with the Nerazzurri particularly.

In an interview with Italian news outlet TuttoMercatoWeb.com he praised the 28-year-old Belgian and named him as one of the center-forwards who he is particularly worried about coming up against at the tournament.

For the Biancocelesti and Azzurri man, Lukaku is in the company of England’s Harry Kane and France’s Kylian Mbappe among the best strikers at the tournament.

Acerbi also talked about the emotional reaction to Inter midfielder Christian Eriksen’s collapse and medical emergency in Denmark’s opener against Finland, and sent his best wishes to the Inter and Denmark man.

Acerbi was on the bench in Italy’s opener against Turkey, but will hope to play in Italy’s next game against Switzerland on Wednesday as Italy look to strengthen their hold on top spot in Group A.

Acerbi said of Lukaku:

“Kane, Lukaku, Mbappe, these are big names that can leave their mark as well as anyone in Europe. I hop Ciro [Immobile] and I hope [Andrea] Belotti can as well.”

“Lukaku had a great season and he is one of the candidates [for best player at the tournament], he has a strong team and he is certainly a candidate.”

On Eriksen he had this to say:

“We were on the pitch against Pescara and everyone looked at their phones and there was silence. The important thing is that he is well, that’s a sigh of relief.”

“To see a young man, an athletes, supervised by doctors, having an illness, a heart attack, is something that leaves you stunned,” he continued.

“That leaves its mark on you. Such a young guy, these things aren’t supposed to happen without a reason. But that’s life. The important thing is that he’s well, thank God for that.”

“I hope that he will smile and play again. I send a hug to his family and friends, who have gone through a bad time.”