In an interview with CalcioMercato.com, noted journalist Mario Sconcerti has discussed why he believes Antonio Conte wanted Romelu Lukaku over Mauro Icardi.

“Inter has two of the best strikers in the world: Lukaku and Icardi. Lukaku and Icardi are 26 years old, they are in their primes and will stay there for the next six or seven seasons,” he started.

“Is there a serious and technical reason why Conte chose one instead of another? Yes, there is and it is an old Conte belief: the centre forward must be very physical and must make his strength available to the team. Icardi scores more than Lukaku, but plays as a pure striker and thinks for himself.

“Lukaku is the first player that Inter looks to when attacks start, he is the one that decides whether the attack should stop or continue. He starts in the middle of the pitch and ends up in the box, this is what Conte loves. Conte wanted him and now he has him.”