Napoli’s sporting director Giovanni Manna has downplayed comparisons between Romelu Lukaku and Victor Osimhen, stating the Belgian is a better fit for the club under Antonio Conte’s system.
Lukaku, who replaced Osimhen after the Nigerian sought a move away last summer, has enjoyed a solid start to life in Naples.
The 31-year-old has registered four goals and four assists in 10 Serie A matches, helping Napoli secure the top spot in the league standings.
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Contrasting Styles and Achievements
Speaking after the Social Football Summit 2024, Manna highlighted the differences between the two strikers while praising Lukaku’s prolific career.
“Lukaku cannot be discussed; he has scored 300 goals in his career,” Manna told Area Napoli. “In the minds of the fans, there is Victor Osimhen, who dominated the league and led Napoli to the Scudetto. But Lukaku is proactive, and his contributions have been crucial.”
Lukaku, with 305 career goals for clubs like Inter Milan, Chelsea, and Manchester United, brings vast experience.
Meanwhile, Osimhen, still adored by Napoli fans for delivering their first Scudetto in 33 years, has amassed 122 career goals across spells with Lille, Napoli, and Galatasaray.
Osimhen Thrives at Galatasaray
According to a previous Sports Buddy report, Napoli legend Arturo Di Napoli also endorsed Lukaku as the ideal forward for Antonio Conte’s side, affirming the Belgian’s value to the team.
Despite leaving Naples, Osimhen has remained prolific. The reigning African Men’s Footballer of the Year has scored eight goals across all competitions for Galatasaray this season.
