Napoli, Lukaku: Defending title our aim, expect much from De Bruyne | OneFootball

From the retreat in Castel di Sangro, where Napoli is preparing for the 2025/26 season, Romelu Lukaku spoke to the microphones on the eve of the friendly match against Girona.

Napoli, Lukaku: “Defending the scudetto is the goal. De Bruyne? I expect a lot from him”

The Belgian striker touched on important topics: from seasonal goals, to the relationship with Antonio Conte, to the special understanding with his new teammate Kevin De Bruyne.

“We start from zero, but the goal remains the scudetto” “The goal is to defend the title. We start from zero, of course, but we must work hard to raise the level. Preparation is fundamental, even if some friendlies didn't go as we wanted. We need to improve, grow, face fatigue, and prepare for a long season.”

Lukaku is aware of the expectations that weigh on the team after the tricolor won last season. The approach, however, remains concrete and focused: building a solid foundation during the retreat to face all commitments with ambition.

Conte and Lukaku, a strong and authentic relationship “Conte always stimulates me to give my best. Sometimes he's tough, other times more gentle. He knows how to choose the right moment. This has always been the secret of our relationship. I know I can count on him and he on me. I've never been afraid that he might leave after the scudetto.”

The bond between Lukaku and Antonio Conte is well-known, forged over the years at Inter and now rediscovered at Napoli. The striker reiterates his trust in the Salento coach, emphasizing how their relationship is based on reciprocity and a common ambition to win.

“With De Bruyne, we've known each other forever. Napoli will like him” “Kevin and I have known each other since we were 13 years old. I was at Anderlecht, he was at Genk. We made our debut in the same season. Then we had a retreat together at Chelsea, where we shared the same apartment. Now we find ourselves playing together every day: it's a nice feeling.”

“I told him about Napoli, about the exceptional fans and our locker room made up of real men. He's already understood what it means to be part of this group. He's very intelligent, he's already learning Italian. I've taught him a few words: 'Buongiorno, come stai?'. I expect a lot from him this year.”

Lukaku recounts with great naturalness the human relationship that binds him to Kevin De Bruyne, far beyond the field. A long-standing friendship that has now turned into an important technical alliance for Napoli. The former Inter striker is convinced that De Bruyne will be decisive in the pursuit of new successes.

A solid and ambitious locker room Lukaku's words paint a motivated and compact environment, where players work with intensity under Conte's guidance. The inclusion of international profiles like De Bruyne not only raises the quality of the squad but consolidates a team identity based on shared values and collective spirit.

Napoli prepares: Girona first test, then the new season With the imminent arrival of the championship and the return to the Champions League, Napoli presents itself at the starting line with renewed ambition. The match against Girona, scheduled for tomorrow at 19, will be the first test to verify the group's cohesion and the work done in the retreat.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.