Lucca future in doubt after Pereira decision at Forest

Lorenzo Lucca future is under increasing doubt after another exclusion from the matchday squad, with reports suggesting the striker has fallen out of favour under Vitor Pereira.

The 25-year-old has struggled to make an impact since joining Nottingham Forest, despite scoring on his debut against Leeds United. His involvement has declined significantly in recent weeks, raising fresh questions about his role heading into the final phase of the season.

A recent decision by Pereira has now intensified those concerns.

Lucca returned from injury last week, completing 120 minutes in a European fixture against Midtjylland. That appearance suggested he was back in contention.

However, he was then left out entirely for Nottingham Forest’s 3-0 win over Tottenham on 22 March 2026 — a result that further underlined his uncertain standing in the squad.

According to reports in Italy, including AreaNapoli, the omission has been described as “hard to swallow,” particularly from Napoli’s perspective, given their ongoing interest in the player’s development.

The lack of clarity around his status has added to concerns that he is no longer part of Pereira’s immediate plans.

Lucca’s time in England has been challenging, both physically and mentally, according to Italian reports. After arriving during the January window, he has struggled to establish consistency in a demanding league environment.

His recent ankle injury, which required assessment in Italy, further disrupted his momentum at a key stage.

From recent matches we’ve covered, Nottingham Forest have found alternative attacking solutions, with the team performing effectively even in his absence. That has reduced the urgency to reintegrate him quickly into the starting setup.

Napoli inserted an option to buy when Lucca joined Nottingham Forest, but the current situation is now being viewed as a setback for any potential deal.

Reports suggest the striker’s lack of minutes and uncertain role are considered “bad news” for Napoli, particularly if they were hoping for a resurgence in form to increase his value.

Previous concerns about his attitude and work rate have also resurfaced, adding further complexity to his situation.

Having followed Nottingham Forest closely this season, the competition for places and the timing of his arrival have both contributed to his difficulties in adapting.

However, it remains too early to rule out a turnaround if he can regain form and trust in the coming weeks.

Lucca’s immediate future at Nottingham Forest will depend on whether he can work his way back into Pereira’s plans before the end of the season.

If his situation does not improve, a return to Italy or a move elsewhere in the summer appears increasingly likely. Napoli may still hold interest, but their position could change depending on his form and involvement.

The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether he can re-establish himself or whether a permanent move becomes the most realistic outcome.