Benvenuto “Big Rom”: Lukaku looks into the eye of Juventus on his first return to Italy | sports

Out of sight, out of mind. For two years, Italian sports newspapers constantly ran Romelu Lukaku – the biggest star of Cristiano Ronaldo a little more.

Now that Lukaku is back in England, he’s rarely a major headline, let alone a cover star. In recent days, articles have appeared in preparation for the Champions League match between Juventus and Chelsea, but until today the focus has not been on the “Big Rom”. Jorginho, Lukaku’s teammate and European champion in Squadra, gave an interview to “Gazzetta”. There was not even a question about Lukaku. They already know all about it.

Juventus defender Matthias de Ligt may have to make way. However, it was the Dutchman who got into the most duels with Lukaku in recent years, during his time at Inter. De Ligt has guarded him four times in the past two years, but Max Allegri may opt for Lukaku’s fear-monger Giorgio Chiellini – now 37. New Italy-Belgium edition.

It was one of those many misconceptions in Belgium before the European Championship: in club football he played only twice against Leonardo Bonucci Chiellini so far. Until Wednesday night. In six matches with Juventus, he scored “Big Room” only once in his career.

Bonucci on The Athletic: “Lukaku has already proven that he is a complete striker. He can win matches on his own. When you play against him, you have to focus for 100 minutes. Unfortunately for defenders, you can’t leave him for ten seconds, because that can be fatal. You also may not Never physically duel with Lukaku. You have to expect.”

Chelsea miss their N’Golo Kanté vacuum cleaner in Turin. He tested positive for Covid and it is almost certain that he will play the Nations League match against the Red Devils.

Watch Juventus-Chelsea tonight live on VTM2. Broadcast starts at 8.35pm.

• Group stage on the second day
• Departure: 9 pm.
• Allianz Stadium
• Both Juventus and Chelsea won their opening matches