Former Inter defender Andrea Mandorlini has admitted that it is sad to see Nerazzurri striker Romelu Lukaku struggling for form and fitness, but tipped him to return to his best.
Lukaku has endured a miserable campaign since returning to Inter on loan following a disappointing season at Chelsea last year, and has only made five appearances due to injuries.
The ex-Manchester United striker came in for criticism after a poor performance for Belgium in their 0-0 draw against Croatia at the World Cup, which saw them eliminated, but Mandorlini defended Lukaku in an interview with Italian radio station 1 Station Radio yesterday, as reported by FCInterNews.it.
“Everyone’s sorry to see, he had sensational chances to score that he didn’t take yesterday against Croatia”, the ex-Hellas Verona and Genoa coach claimed.
“But his negative period comes from further back, seeing the struggles in his face creates displeasure.
“He has suffered many injuries, but he will certainly be able to come out of this decidedly complicated period.”
Lukaku suffered a thigh injury in August that ruled him out until late October, before suffering a relapse that put his World Cup place in doubt.
The 29-year-old did make it to Qatar but only appeared as a substitute in Belgium’s second group game, before featuring against Croatia, as the Red Devils were sent crashing out.
