Decorating his palmares, that’s what Romelu Lukaku is all about these days. “I am jealous of Thibaut Courtois’ trophy cabinet,” says the Red Devil in his documentary One for all which will come out soon. While waiting for the main course on June 10 in Istanbul – the Champions League final against Man City – the Red Devil got the chance in the final of La Coppa Italia against Fiorentina on Wednesday evening.
Lukaku again started on the bench. Just like in the European semi-finals against Milan and in the Coppa against Juventus. As a substitute for Dzeko-Lautaro, Simone Inzaghi’s regular duo in the most important matches, despite Romelu’s six league goals in five league matches.
The evening could not have started worse for Lukaku and Inter. In the third minute, Nico Gonzalez kicked La Viola ahead. Big Rom wobbling in the dugout. But before the break, Inter put things in order. Dzeko missed face to face with Terracciano, his buddy Lautaro set the Olimpico on fire. With two goals, the man in shape completely turned the situation around… and Lukaku was well on his way to reaping the harvest after titles with Anderlecht and Inter, the World Cup for clubs and an FA Cup with Chelsea.
Inter were overrun after the break. Inzaghi intervened on the hour. No. 90 was on the board, much to the delight of the Nerazzurri who had traveled with him. Half an hour was given to Lukaku, who in minute 66 scorched from a distance – right on Terracciano’s fists. Moments later, Gosens forgot to complete a great solo of ‘Big Rom’. “Vintage Lukaku”, the ESPN commentator enthused after the Red Devil’s rise to power.
Inter groaned until the absolute final phase. Lukaku pulled and dragged, he didn’t get an excellent chance to kill the match. Without a problem, Internazionale finally crossed the line in the first season finale.
Lukaku may add a trophy to the still too empty trophy cabinet after Wednesday evening. And whether the Coppa has a lot of meaning for him. “We have many more goals than the Champions League,” he referred to the cup final in conversation with VTM News. The Coppa can already be ticked. Although Istanbul will be a different story in about two weeks.
