Roma-Napoli has been a match for years reminiscent of reunions, comebacks, and old stories to tell.
And Sunday could have added another: that of Romelu Lukaku, the former player who secured Italy’s victory at the Maradona last season and one of the rare defeats of Ranieri’s third team.
At the Olimpico, however, the story will be different. Because Big Rom, in all likelihood, won’t be there.
Lukaku was injured early on in preseason during Napoli’s training camp in Castel di Sangro and hasn’t yet played the pitch in the new season.
Antonio Conte made it clear on the eve of Napoli-Qarabag: “How important is it to get him back, and is he ready for the bench in Rome? No, he’s not ready. He still has work to do.”
