Lucca ‘studying Haaland’ at Udinese but Scamacca the ‘best’ Italian striker

Udinese striker Lorenzo Lucca reveals he studies the movements of Manchester City star Erling Haaland and feels Gianluca Scamacca is the best Italian striker currently.

Lucca, 23, has scored five goals in 17 Serie A games this season, plus one in two Coppa Italia matches so he’s Udinese’s best scorer so far this season with six goals.

The former Pisa and Palermo striker joined the Bianconeri last summer after a one-year loan at Ajax, where, however, he failed to live up to expectations.

“I had two negative experiences with two injuries and I suffered, so I hoped it would go well at Udinese,” Lucca told Gazzetta.

“After playing in the youth sector at Torino and Brescia, I learned new things at Palermo and scored 14 goals in Serie C. I thought it was going downhill, but I had just started climbing.”

How is he developing at Udinese?

“With the help of an important person from Turin. Somebody who believes in me,” he replied.

“We analyse the games in videos. The goals, but also the errors. I study Haaland’s movements. He is similar physically and is a monster, although he’s left-footed. I try to learn the movements inside the box and how to score in Serie A against certain defenders. You must focus on the ball, the goal and the defender. You must be in the defender’s shadow and understand with a mental map how to dominate the defender.

“I study a lot. That’s what one has to do to become an important footballer,” he continued.

“It’s something I must do alone because the coach can’t have the time to follow 30 players individually.”

Many young Italian strikers are emerging in Serie A. Aside from Gianluca Scamacca, the likes of Lorenzo Colombo, Roberto Piccoli and Andrea Pinamonti are also getting regular playing time.

“Scamacca is the best right now. He has physicality, technique and a powerful shot. He has the advantage of having played in the Premier League.”

Lucca has not yet made his senior Italy debut but has scored two goals in six appearances with the U21 squad, making his debut with the Azzurrini in September 2021. The 23-year-old striker joined Udinese on loan from Pisa last summer and the Bianconeri can make his move permanent at the end of the season.