Lukaku bigger impact at Napoli than Osimhen – Italian press

The Italian press has sparked fresh controversy with a report that Romelu Lukaku has enjoyed a far better start at Napoli than Victor Osimhen.

Lukaku was the preferred choice of coach Antonio Conte to replace Osimhen, who is currently playing on loan at Turkish champions Galatasaray.

The Ilmionapoli website published a report under the title ‘Lukaku left Osimhen behind: Belgian scores and assists faster than Nigerian’.

“Comparing Victor Osimhen and Romelu Lukaku’s first seasons at Napoli provides interesting insights into their productivity and impact in the Italian Serie A,” the report started.

“Although the Nigerian had a longer and more difficult start due to injuries and Covid, Lukaku managed to achieve similar results in a much shorter time.”

The report continued: “Victor Osimhen played his 12th Serie A match in the 27th week of last season after missing 14 matches due to injury and Covid. The Nigerian player, who played 465 minutes in his first six matches before the shoulder injury, scored two goals and made one assist, contributing to a goal every 155 minutes. By the end of the season, Osimhen had played in 24 matches with 1,573 minutes, scoring 10 goals and making three assists, and averaging one goal every 2.4 matches.

“In his first season in Napoli (2024/25), Romelu Lukaku missed the first two matches as he was not yet in the team and played in his 12th match in the 14th week. Despite his late start, the Belgian player achieved impressive results and played in 888 minutes with five goals and four assists, contributing to 1 goal every 98 minutes.

“The comparison between the two strikers is clear. Everything is clear, the numbers are there. Osimhen has had more playing time, while Lukaku has produced more goals and assists in fewer games.

“The Nigerian took 253 minutes to score, while the Belgian forward, who Conte wants so much, needed just 177 minutes.

“Osimhen also contributes to a goal every 190 minutes, while Lukaku contributes to a goal every 98 minutes, almost half as much time as Osimhen.”