Lorenzo Lucca under fire again after difficult Nottingham Forest loan

Lorenzo Lucca’s difficult period has continued following his return to Napoli, with the former Nottingham Forest striker again attracting severe criticism in the Italian media.

Forest decided against exercising their option to buy the 26-year-old after his loan spell during the second half of last season. Lucca scored on his debut in England but struggled with injuries and was unable to establish himself consistently.

Napoli subsequently failed to find another destination for the striker during the summer, leaving Lucca attempting to rebuild his career in Naples. His latest appearance against Fiorentina has done little to ease the pressure.

Lucca came off the bench as Napoli were held to a 1-1 draw by Fiorentina, but Il Mattino was deeply unimpressed with his contribution.

The Naples newspaper, via CalcioNapoli1926, described him as being at risk of becoming “the missing footballer”, arguing that he appears disconnected from Napoli’s play.

Its criticism became particularly harsh when discussing his technique and aerial ability, even comparing the tall striker to a giraffe and questioning why he was signed in the first place.

Lucca’s attitude was also criticised, continuing a pattern of negative coverage that followed him during his time at Forest.

However, his situation requires greater context than one substitute appearance.

Napoli’s wider attacking problems have made life difficult for their forwards, with limited service reducing opportunities to make an impact.

Lucca also endured fitness problems at Forest, meaning his unsuccessful spell in England cannot simply be separated from his lack of consistent availability.

What is clear is that neither period has provided the regular football he needs.

Lucca previously demonstrated at Udinese that he can score when given consistent opportunities. After Forest declined to sign him permanently and Napoli were unable to arrange another move, finding that environment again increasingly appears important.

For now, he remains at Napoli and must attempt to change perceptions there, but another transfer could eventually offer the clean break his career needs.

Lucca must first attempt to earn more opportunities at Napoli and respond to the criticism through his performances.

If regular minutes remain difficult to find, another transfer could become increasingly relevant, with the striker needing the kind of consistent role that previously allowed him to impress at Udinese.