Napoli’s troubles in front of goal are causing alarm as manager Antonio Conte hints at a potential return for Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen.
The Partenopei have seen their early season dominance collapse after back-to-back defeats to Lazio.
A 3-1 loss in the Copa Italia followed by a narrow 1-0 defeat in Serie A cost Napoli their lead at the top of the league.
The once-dominant Italian giants have now been overtaken by Atalanta, with fans pointing fingers at the underwhelming performances of Romelu Lukaku.
The Belgian forward, brought in to replace Osimhen, has failed to live up to expectations.
In 15 appearances this season, Lukaku has managed only five goals, with just three coming in the past two months.
Manager Antonio Conte, known for his fiery approach, did not hold back after the latest defeat.
“We need to improve in this respect,” Conte said. “We get there, but the final step is missing.”
This statement is being seen as a direct criticism of Lukaku’s inability to lead the attack effectively.
Napoli fans, meanwhile, are losing patience.
Lukaku’s performance against Lazio last week was particularly woeful.
He managed only 15 touches in 90 minutes, completed 10 passes, and failed to register a single shot on target.
Substituted in injury time for Giovanni Simeone, Lukaku left the pitch to a chorus of boos from the home crowd at the Stadio Diego Maradona.
“Lukaku is not the striker we hoped for,” lamented one Napoli supporter after the game. “Osimhen was irreplaceable, and now we see it.”
Victor Osimhen, Napoli’s former talisman, is dearly missed by fans.
The Nigerian striker delivered consistent match-winning performances during his time at the club.
He played a key role in Napoli’s attacking success last season, combining power, speed, and clinical finishing.
In stark contrast, Lukaku’s inconsistent form has left Napoli’s attack toothless in key matches.
Games against Juventus, Atalanta, and Inter all highlighted Lukaku’s struggles, with Conte forced to substitute him in each match.
The decision to replace Osimhen with Lukaku is now being widely questioned.
While Lukaku struggles in Serie A, Osimhen has been thriving in Turkey.
Playing for Fenerbahçe, Osimhen has scored seven goals and provided three assists in just nine games.
His dazzling form is a painful reminder of what Napoli lost.
For Lukaku, the expectations were enormous.
He was signed as a marquee replacement, a player with international pedigree who could fill Osimhen’s big boots.
But those boots have proven too big.
“It’s clear now,” said a football analyst. “Osimhen was not just a player, he was the heart of Napoli’s attack. Replacing him was always going to be difficult, but Lukaku has made it worse.”
Conte’s comments about “missing the final step” have fueled speculation that the club may be considering drastic changes.
A return for Victor Osimhen could be on the cards.
Conte’s willingness to hint at such a move suggests that Napoli may already be rethinking their transfer strategy.
