Lorenzo Lucca joined Nottingham Forest on loan in January. It didn’t go well and he’s been told he must get better.
Napoli initially signed the Italian from Udinese in the summer of 2025. After he failed to impress, Lucca was loaned to Forest in the hope of a return to form in England.
That didn’t happen either, as he scored only once in the Premier League. Doubts emerged about his character and Sport Witness covered how the Italian media constantly targeted him.
Amidst all of that, an injury also derailed his progress.
Manna makes opinion clear
Lucca is back at Napoli, where sporting director Giovanni Manna took part in a major press conference on Thursday.
He was specifically asked for his views on Lucca and his future at the Italian side.
Manna made it clear that the player has to improve in some aspects.
He said – via Corriere dello Sport: “Lorenzo has many strengths, but he also has areas he absolutely must improve, he knows that, but it’s up to him to make the next step. We may have paid a little too much for him, but he was Kean’s assistant in the national team.”
Manna stated that Lucca hasn’t proven himself enough to play for Napoli.
“We’re ready to support him, but he has to work hard and he knows it. Yesterday against Arezzo he didn’t play badly, but then he got injured. We’re waiting for him, but he has to prove he’s a Napoli player.”
Our take: Player needs a new club
During his time at Udinese, Lucca was the centre of their attack. This allowed him to earn a call-up to the national team and get a big move to Napoli soon after.
That shows what he really wants. He needs a club where he plays regularly and is the undisputed starter. Nottingham Forest could have been that place, if not for his injuries.
At 25, he should actively seek an exit. Rasmus Hojlund is Napoli’s first-choice and there is little chance Lucca replaces him in the pecking order.
