Former England boss Fabio Capello has claimed that Romelu Lukaku, Tammy Abraham and even Victor Osimhen are ‘just normal’ strikers amid Italy’s shock World Cup exit. The reigning European champions were stunned on Thursday night as they fell to a slender 1-0 defeat to North Macedonia.
The reverse means that the Nerazzurri have failed to qualify for the tournament set to take place in Qatar during the winter, whilst they were also absent from the 2018 edition in Russia. Following the defeat, former England and Real Madrid manager Capello had his say on the result and claimed that the style and speed of play in Serie A is to blame for the country’s failure to reach the tournament.
Speaking with Sky Italia, he said: “There is a high pace in European competition and we are not accustomed to it.
READ MORE: Real Madrid release statement on Eden Hazard amid Chelsea return and transfer rumours
“There are not enough young Italian players, but there is a wrong idea at its base. We are the country of the back pass to the goalkeeper.
“ Victor Osimhen, Romelu Lukaku and Tammy Abraham were just normal strikers abroad. They became champions in Italy. This should raise some questions.”
Capello’s comments come at a worrying time for both Chelsea and Arsenal, with both clubs set to make a decision over the make-up of their respective attacks. The Blues secured a club-record deal to bring Lukaku back from Inter Milan last summer but he has not quite met expectations yet, having scored just 12 goals in all competitions.
Meanwhile, Abraham has been a huge success following his move to AS Roma having found the back of the net on 23 occasions. Chelsea retain a buy-back clause, something that is set to become active next summer, although Capello’s verdict might well see them change their mind on choosing to follow-through with it.
Elsewhere, Arsenal have also been strongly linked with a move for Osimhen, with the Nigerian having found some stunning form for Napoli this season. He is thought to be on their shortlist of potential striker signings, with both Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah expected to depart the Emirates Stadium come the end of the season.
