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Romelu Lukaku Taps Into Inner Xavi With Brilliant Pass

Romelu Lukaku Taps Into Inner Xavi With Brilliant Pass

The Inter striker isn't usually thought of as someone who drops deep to start attacks but his pass against Napoli was beautiful.

Ryan Sidle

Ryan Sidle

Romelu Lukaku is best known for his goal scoring exploits but the Inter striker turned playmaker extraordinaire on Monday to set up his teammate for a chance on goal.

The Belgian striker has been on excellent form in his first season in Serie A and scored 23 goals in the league, which is his second best league return ever and there's still one game to go.

On Tuesday night he left the goal scoring to two of his teammates and instead turned playmaker with a beautiful curling through ball to take out two midfielders and set up Nicolo Barella, who unfortunately couldn't finish.

Fortunately the lack of a goal from Lukaku's pass didn't matter as Antonio Conte's side had already built an important 2-0 lead against Napoli.

Defender Danilo D'Ambrosio scored the opening goal after 11 minutes before Lukaku's strike partner, and Barcelona transfer target, Lautaro Martinez made it two in the 74th minute.

The Argentina forward powered past one defender and ran towards goal, none of the Napoli defenders attempted to close him down so with plenty of room he smashed the ball home from 30 yards out.

It was a huge win for the Nerazzurri on Tuesday night. Having started the season off as Juventus' main challengers for the title, before fading badly, they are now on course to finish the season second.

They had been overtaken by Lazio and then Atalanta but the win over Napoli pushed them back into second with just one game left.

On Saturday they face Atalanta in what could be a virtual play-off to decide the runners up spot. Lazio could still finish second with wins over Brescia and Napoli this week, if Inter and Atalanta draw.

Lukaku celebrated with Martinez. Image: PA Images
Lukaku celebrated with Martinez. Image: PA Images

Lukaku has certainly proved many of his doubters wrong after his reported €80 million move from Manchester United last summer.

He may need to step it up a notch more if Inter are to stop Juventus winning their 10 title in-a-row. Can Inter, or anyone else, stop the Old Lady next season? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

Featured Image Credit: beIN Sport

Topics: Football News, Barcelona, Atalanta, Romelu Lukaku, Napoli, Inter, Italy