Pippo Inzaghi Backs Lukaku to Emulate Batistuta in Rome

Reggina head coach Filippo Inzaghi believes Romelu Lukaku can have a similar impact at the Giallorossi as what Gabriel Batistuta managed to do in Firenze. Against all odds, Batigol helped Fiorentina win three trophies before moving to Roma and winning the 2000/01 Scudetto – something Inzaghi thinks Lukaku can emulate.

Inzaghi expressed his surprise at Lukaku’s decision to join Roma in an interview with Il Messaggero (via VoceGiallorossa).

“I thought he would have stayed at Inter with my brother, but in the end, I realize he’s gone to the best team for him. He can have the same effect on Roma, similar to what Batistuta did in Florence. Do you remember it? The push towards Roma’s championship was dictated precisely by the arrival of the Argentine. The city lit up and also the team.”

Inzaghi thinks the Belgian’s collaboration with Paulo Dybala upfront will be instrumental in José Mourinho’s Scudetto charge.

“I say that Lukaku, paired with Dybala, can take Mourinho to the Scudetto zone. After that I don’t know if they will be able to win. The Belgian could not have chosen a better place if he was looking for appreciation.”

The Chelsea loanee left Inter on controversial terms, as he was also linked to close rivals Juventus over a summer move. Roma, backed by Tiago Pinto ultimately sealed the deal for Lukaku.