Lorenzo Lucca hasn’t had a great time so far at Nottingham Forest.
After he scored on his debut, the striker had a dry spell and soon, there was mystery surrounding his absence for two games. This was clarified after confirmation about an ankle injury.
Sport Witness have already covered claims from Italy that have questioned the striker’s general attitude. That was described as one reason why his time at Napoli wasn’t great, as he never quite made a mark under Antonio Conte.
Even if his absence at Nottingham Forest is down to injury, the player’s character assassination is very much ongoing. And it seems to have gotten worse.
Lucca’s character questioned
Journalist Salvatore Caiazza spoke to Canale 8 and was specifically asked about Lucca’s situation.
The Italian didn’t hold back, bringing up details about the player and his general behaviour.
He said – relayed by TuttoNapoli: “He wasn’t able to integrate into this team due to his character flaws.
“I assure you, and I say this because I know it, that no one could stand him. He didn’t create synergy with anyone. He was alone, he went out alone.”
Further, Caiazza revealed how Lucca usually has his hair cut done at home when other players have specific barbers. That feels like scraping the barrel for criticism and gives a clue to level it’s got to for some in Italy.
“I’ll give you an example. There, the custom is that the barber cuts everyone’s hair, but he had it cut at home. He didn’t create a team. This is a banal example, but that’s how it is.”
Our take on criticism for Lucca
It does seem like the Italian press is going over the top with their deliberate mud-slinging at Lucca. The level feels forced and an attempt to justify Napoli’s decision to let him leave only after six months.
They easily forget that the 25-year-old did quite well at Udinese. He contributed to 26 goals across two seasons, earning a call-up to the national team. Just because it didn’t work out at Napoli doesn’t mean Lucca is a bad player (or a bad person). Besides, how he likes his haircut done doesn’t say anything about the striker.
Nottingham Forest is his chance to prove detractors in Italy wrong. He is experienced in a relegation battle. If he returns and scores some key goals, the entire perspective around him will change.
