Lukaku, controversial exultation after the hat-trick in Sweden-Belgium- Corriere.it

The exultation of was very controversial
Romelu Lukaku
on the evening in which he was the great protagonist, scoring a hat-trick with his Belgium against Ibrahimovic’s Sweden (who came on in the 73rd minute) in the first qualifying match for Euro 2024. Left hand in front of nose and right hand on forehead, a military salute. An exultation addressed to many more people, given the difficult period that the Inter striker had to go through.

Three very important goals for Lukaku, in a really complicated season for him. He has not yet managed to leave his mark as in the two-year period, 2019-2021, of Antonio Conte. But the Nerazzurri are still in the running for fourth place (despite 9 defeats out of 27 in the league), the semi-final of the Coppa Italia (against Juventus) and the quarter-finals of the Champions League (double match against Benfica). His exultation seemed to be a way to silence the criticisms that in Italy, as in his country, have been leveled against him. A way of saying “now shut up everybody”.

In short, the perfect evening for Lukaku in front of Ibrahimovichis great rival. Three goals that bode well for Simone Inzaghi, who hopes to have him back in the best possible way in this last (and decisive) part of the season. A troubled year, complete with a quarrel with Barella on the pitch at Marassi against Dejan Stankovic’s Sampdoria (0-0, 13 February), which now seems to have been put behind them after such a performance. A match that also made coach Domenico Tedesco happy, making his absolute debut on the Belgian bench, after taking the place of Roberto Martinez. And now another wonderful story can begin for Romelu. There is also to convince Inter to buy him from Chelsea or, in any case, to renew the loan.