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Lorenzo Lucca faces mounting pressure at Napoli
Napoli forward Lorenzo Lucca is facing intense scrutiny following a series of disciplinary incidents and poor performances on the pitch, according to reports from And She Was.
The 2.01-meter striker’s relationship with the Napoli supporters has deteriorated after a turbulent week involving verbal altercations and on-field errors. During a Champions League match against FC Porto at the Estádio do Dragão, Lucca reacted aggressively to a reprimand from Kevin De Bruyne, using profanity toward the player.
Former Watford striker Troy Deeney has hit out at Lorenzo Lucca, calling the Napoli forward “one of the worst strikers I’ve ever seen”. pic.twitter.com/mEOR1EUPMk
This behavior carried over into a subsequent match against Lazio at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona. Lucca was met with heavy boos from the crowd before even entering the field when he was substituted in for Rasmus Hojlund in the 74th minute. He later drew further frustration from the stands after losing possession of the ball while attempting to assist Scott McTominay in an attacking position.
Troy Deeney criticizes striker’s performance
Former Watford goalscorer Troy Deeney offered a harsh assessment of the Italian forward during a CBS program analyzing the current period under Massimiliano Allegri. Deeney stated, “With all due respect, Lucca is lucky to be a footballer; he is one of the worst forwards I have ever seen.”
🗣️ Troy Deeney on Napoli's striker Lorenzo Lucca: "With all due respect, he's lucky to be a footballer. He’s one of the worst strikers I’ve ever seen. He told Kevin De Bruyne, who has won everything there is to win in football, to f*** off. Unbelievable" pic.twitter.com/RZ5DqFg3OO
The criticism follows a difficult run for Lucca, who has failed to score in 13 matches this season. His current form stands in stark contrast to his second season at Udinese, where he recorded 14 goals and one assist, earning praise from Antonio Conte for being a “dominant and difficult to stop” player.
Benfica transfer talks stalled
Interest in the striker’s services was previously noted by Benfica earlier this year. reported that the club, then managed by José Mourinho, sought to negotiate a loan deal for the forward.
🚨 Troy Deeney says Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca is LUCKY TO BE A FOOTBALLER and ONE OF THE WORST strikers he's ever seen. "He told Kevin De Bruyne, who has WON EVERYTHING there is to win in football, to f*** off. Unbelievable" pic.twitter.com/xX1fVO4PK9
Napoli reportedly sought a loan fee between €1.5 million and €2 million but demanded a mandatory purchase clause of €30 million. Benfica declined the terms, and Lucca subsequently moved to Nottingham Forest, where he scored only one goal in nine appearances.
Allegri maintains support for Lucca
Despite the public criticism and fan hostility, Massimiliano Allegri continues to include Lucca in his tactical plans. The Napoli manager has publicly defended the player’s potential and urged patience from the club and supporters.
“Lucca is a quality player; he has to be supported and helped, the goal will come,” Allegri said regarding the striker’s current situation.
Why Napoli fans boo Lorenzo Lucca and Benfica deal status
Why is Lorenzo Lucca being booed by Napoli fans?
The hostility stems from recent disciplinary issues, including a verbal confrontation with Kevin De Bruyne during a Champions League match, and poor on-field decision-making during games against Porto and Lazio.
What was the status of the Benfica deal for Lucca?
Benfica was interested in a loan deal with a fee of €1.5 million to €2 million, but negotiations failed because Napoli required a €30 million mandatory purchase clause.