Conte reveals why he preferred Lukaku to Osimhen after Belgian’s Serie A masterclass

Napoli head coach Antonio Conte has explained why he was keen to bring Romelu Lukaku to Naples, even when the cost was losing Victor Osimhen.

The Belgian's stellar performance in the club's 4-0 win against Cagliari impressed Conte, who was full of praise for his new striker.

Lukaku played a pivotal role in the victory over Cagliari, scoring a goal and providing two assists, which sent Napoli to the top of the Serie A table.

Conte, who previously worked with Lukaku at Inter Milan, has praised the striker after the win over Cagliari, saying, "I have always said that I wanted Romelu at Inter Milan and had also requested him at Chelsea.

“He is extremely tall and physically strong, but also very good at sprinting forward. His condition is still nowhere near optimal, but he becomes fundamental for us."

Conte’s preference for Lukaku over Osimhen has raised eyebrows, considering Osimhen’s prolific scoring record for Napoli.

However, Conte has always made it clear that Lukaku’s unique skillset was what he wanted to build his Napoli project around.

The former Juventus and Tottenham manager has long been an admirer of Lukaku, having tried to bring him to Chelsea before the Belgian’s move to Manchester United.

While Osimhen remains a fan favourite and a proven goal-scorer, Conte believes Lukaku brings an additional dimension to Napoli's attack, with results already showing after two goals and two assists in his first two matches for the Serie A side.