Romelu Lukaku will play a key role for Inter Milan in the Champions League final against Man City, whether from the start or from the bench.
This according to today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews.
Chelsea-owned striker Lukaku is very much hoping to start against City.
The Belgian has been in blistering form in Serie A in recent weeks.
Lukaku’s outstanding displays have resulted in the possibility that he could start in the final.
However, on the other hand, Edin Dzeko has started in every Champions League knockout match so far. The question is whether or not Nerazzurri coach Simone Inzaghi will decide to stick with the Bosnian who’s served him well to date, or give Lukaku a chance.
Lukaku Can Make An Impact For Inter Vs Man City – Even From The Bench
The Gazzetta argues, however, that even if Lukaku doesn’t start he can play a major role.
The 30-year-old could be used as a “super sub” by Inzaghi.
If Lukaku starts, he’ll be a weapon on the counterattack from the very start of the match. This would allow the Nerazzurri to hold a fairly deep defensive line to counterattack the Cityzens’ possession.
On the other hand, Inzaghi may not want to employ counterattacking tactics right from the start.
The coach will be keen to avoid the team getting penned in too early. Accordingly, he could start Dzeko to give Inter an option to make up numbers in midfield and keep the ball.
In this case, Lukaku will come on as a substitute.
The Belgian’s pace and ability in one-on-one situations could become all the more lethal once the City defenders start to tire.
Then, Inter can exploit Lukaku’s counterattacking ability in a number of ways. Everything from intricate counterattacks through midfield to long goal kicks from Andre Onana would become a serious weapon.
