Former Fiorentina midfielder Daniele Amerini believes that Inter have downgraded in the attacking position with the loss of Romelu Lukaku over the summer, and that former Roma striker Edin Dzeko does not provide the same qualities in replacing the Belgian.
Speaking to Italian news outlet L’Interista ahead of this evening’s clash between the Nerazzurri and his former side, Amerini gave the view that the Nerazzurri cannot boast as formidable an attack without Lukaku in the side.
So far this season, Inter look to have coped fairly well with the transition away from Lukaku following the 28-year-old’s sale to Chelsea over the summer.
Fifteen goals in four Serie A matches, seven coming from summer arrivals, suggest that the team are not lacking in attacking verve under new head coach Simone Inzaghi.
However, there is no doubt that Lukaku’s departure was a major change, given that the Belgian led the team in both goals and assists last season, and Amerini believes that his loss will catch up with the Nerazzurri.
“With Lukaku’s exit, Inter lost a lot,” he stated, “he was a man who scores goals, he has strength, when a ball came into the box he was keeping two defenders busy. Dzeko is less good Lukaku, but he is a similar player in some respects, different in other ways.”
“He has age against him,” Amerini said of Dzeko. “Lautaro has taken more responsibility. He has different characteristics than Lukaku, they are not comparable and to really find his full potential he must find ways to find the back of the net.”
