Belgian Striker Scores Equalizer and Sparks Late Rally in 2-1 Win Over Parma
Romelu Lukaku made an immediate impact for Napoli, inspiring his new team to a thrilling comeback victory with a debut goal. The Belgian striker was introduced as a second-half substitute at the Stadio Maradona on Saturday evening, with Napoli trailing 1-0 to newly-promoted Parma.
Lukaku nearly scored with his first touch before blasting home a powerful equalizer in the 92nd minute, igniting the Napoli faithful. But the drama didn’t end there. Six minutes into injury time, Andre Zambo Anguissa headed home the winning goal, securing a 2-1 victory for Antonio Conte’s men.
Lukaku’s presence on the pitch, despite not being fully fit, provided a crucial boost to his team.
Lukaku’s debut also sent a clear message to exiled Napoli striker Victor Osimhen and his former club Chelsea, who failed to secure a much-needed striker this summer. Lukaku completed his transfer to Napoli earlier this week in a €30 million deal, signing a contract until 2027.
Lukaku replaces Osimhen, who has been sidelined after failing to secure a transfer before the window closed. Lukaku reunites with Antonio Conte, under whom he played some of the best football of his career at Inter, culminating in a Serie A title in 2021. Conte had previously tried to sign Lukaku during his tenures at Juventus and Chelsea.
Lukaku was not in Chelsea’s plans for the upcoming season following a tumultuous return to the club after a loan spell at Roma last season. He originally rejoined Chelsea from Inter in the summer of 2021 for a then-club record transfer fee of €115 million but struggled to perform, clashing with manager Thomas Tuchel and publicly criticizing the club.
After spending the 2022-23 season on loan at Inter and last season at Roma, Lukaku has now found a new home in Naples, where he looks set to play a pivotal role in the team’s ambitions.
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