Physicality Will Not Be The Only Factor In Battle Between Inter Striker Romelu Lukaku & Napoli Defender Kalidou Koulibaly, Italian Media Suggest | OneFootball

Inter striker Romelu Lukaku must find a way past Napoli centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly as they square off in Serie A this evening, but there will be more than physical strength in determining their duel.

As reported in today’s newspaper edition of La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Nerazzurri are looking to Lukaku to fire them to a 12th straight win against the Partenopei at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, and his battle with Koulibaly is set to be a key factor in success.

Koulibaly is considered one of the few defenders in Serie A that can compete with the physicality of Lukaku, but the striker has enjoyed greater success when latching onto longer balls, whilst the Napoli man is more suited to short sprints.

Elsewhere, Belgium international Lukaku has shown greater aerial prowess and has a slight height advantage on Koulibaly.

The newspaper suggests that much could depend on the approach of the two respective teams and if they look to counter or take the initiative, with Lukaku more dangerous on rapid direct attacks.