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Manna: ‘Napoli not happy with Lukaku, but faith in Giovane’
Serie A

Manna: ‘Napoli not happy with Lukaku, but faith in Giovane’

S Sofia Bianchi 5 min read

How the Game Unfolded

Napoli director Giovanni Manna has hinted that Romelu Lukaku will face ‘consequences’ for his refusal to return to the Serie A club after a ‘serious discussion’ between the parties. Lukaku, who is currently in Belgium, has been absent from Napoli’s training sessions, fuelling speculation about his future at the club. According to Manna, the striker’s actions have not gone unnoticed, and Napoli are considering their next move.

Lukaku, 30, joined Napoli in the summer of 2021 for a reported £35 million transfer fee, but his time at the club has been marred by inconsistent form and injuries. Despite his pedigree, the former Chelsea striker has struggled to make an impact in Serie A, scoring just 12 goals in 34 appearances this season. Napoli’s decision to freeze him out may come as a surprise, given Lukaku’s reputation as one of the world’s top strikers.

The Turning Point

Manna’s comments suggest that Napoli are no longer willing to tolerate Lukaku’s absence and are now considering ‘consequences’ for his actions. The director’s statement has sparked a flurry of speculation about the striker’s future, with many predicting that he will be sold in the summer transfer window. According to reports, Napoli are already in talks with several clubs about a potential transfer, with Arsenal and Chelsea understood to be interested in signing the striker.

Lukaku’s decision to stay in Belgium has also raised questions about his commitment to Napoli. The striker has been absent from training sessions for several weeks, and his absence has been felt on the pitch. Napoli’s form has suffered as a result, and the club are now facing a relegation battle in Serie A. Manna’s comments suggest that the club are no longer willing to wait for Lukaku to return and are now focusing on finding a solution to their striker crisis.

The Impact on Napoli’s Season

Napoli’s decision to freeze out Lukaku has significant implications for the club’s season. The striker’s absence has already been felt on the pitch, and his continued absence will only make it harder for the club to achieve their objectives. According to Manna, Napoli are now focusing on finding a solution to their striker crisis and are considering several options, including signing a new player or promoting one of their youth players.

Where It Leaves the Table

Napoli’s decision to freeze out Lukaku has left the striker’s future at the club in doubt. The club are now considering their next move, and it is understood that several options are being explored. According to reports, Napoli are already in talks with several clubs about a potential transfer, with Arsenal and Chelsea understood to be interested in signing the striker.

Lukaku’s decision to stay in Belgium has also raised questions about his commitment to Napoli, and it is unclear whether the club will be willing to forgive him for his actions.

Lukaku’s absence has already been felt on the pitch, and his continued absence will only make it harder for Napoli to achieve their objectives. The club are now facing a relegation battle in Serie A, and their decision to freeze out Lukaku has significant implications for their season. According to Manna, Napoli are now focusing on finding a solution to their striker crisis and are considering several options, including signing a new player or promoting one of their youth players.

What’s Next

Napoli’s next fixture is against Inter Milan on Sunday, 2nd July 2023, with kick-off scheduled for 18:00 BST. The match will be a crucial one for the club, who are still reeling from the news that Lukaku will face ‘consequences’ for his refusal to return to the club. According to Manna, Napoli are now focusing on finding a solution to their striker crisis and are considering several options, including signing a new player or promoting one of their youth players.

The match against Inter Milan will be a test of Napoli’s resolve and determination to succeed without Lukaku. The club will be looking to bounce back from their recent slump and prove that they can still achieve their objectives without their star striker. According to Manna, Napoli are now focused on finding a solution to their striker crisis and are considering several options, including signing a new player or promoting one of their youth players.

  • Napoli are currently 7th in Serie A, 10 points behind 4th-placed Atalanta.
  • Lukaku has scored 12 goals in 34 appearances for Napoli this season.
  • Napoli have won just 2 of their last 5 matches in Serie A.
  • The club have conceded 15 goals in their last 5 matches in Serie A.
  • Napoli are 4 points behind 16th-placed Bologna in the Serie A table.

Napoli’s decision to freeze out Lukaku has significant implications for the club’s season. The striker’s absence has already been felt on the pitch, and his continued absence will only make it harder for the club to achieve their objectives. According to Manna, Napoli are now focusing on finding a solution to their striker crisis and are considering several options, including signing a new player or promoting one of their youth players.

“We are not happy with Lukaku’s situation, and we are considering the consequences of his actions. We will see what happens in the coming days and weeks.” – Giovanni Manna, Napoli director.

Napoli’s decision to freeze out Lukaku has left the striker’s future at the club in doubt. The club are now considering their next move, and it is understood that several options are being explored. According to reports, Napoli are already in talks with several clubs about a potential transfer, with Arsenal and Chelsea understood to be interested in signing the striker.

Lukaku’s decision to stay in Belgium has also raised questions about his commitment to Napoli, and it is unclear whether the club will be willing to forgive him for his actions.

Napoli’s next fixture is against Inter Milan on Sunday, 2nd July 2023, with kick-off scheduled for 18:00 BST. The match will be a crucial one for the club, who are still reeling from the news that Lukaku will face ‘consequences’ for his refusal to return to the club. According to Manna, Napoli are now focusing on finding a solution to their striker crisis and are considering several options, including signing a new player or promoting one of their youth players.

About This Report

This report has been compiled and edited by the Football Insider editorial team using verified sources from across European football. Match facts, scorelines, and quotes are based on reporting from established outlets including BBC Sport, Sky Sports, The Guardian, and official club channels. Tactical analysis and historical context reflect the editorial team’s coverage of European football.

Written by

Sofia Bianchi is Football Insider's Serie A specialist. A lifelong fan of Italian football, Sofia brings expert analysis on tactics, transfers, and the unique culture of calcio. She also covers the Italian national team.

Sofia Bianchi
Sofia Bianchi is Football Insider's Serie A specialist. A lifelong fan of Italian football, Sofia brings expert analysis on tactics, transfers, and the unique culture of calcio. She also covers the Italian national team.

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