Lukaku faces consequences after infuriating Napoli and Conte
Lukaku faces consequences after infuriating Napoli and Conte Sky Sport Italia reports that Romelu Lukaku could receive a hefty fine for remaining in Belgium without the club’s approval, but the striker will likely face consequences on the pitch as well. Lukaku has infuriated Napoli after deciding to remain in Belgium following his withdrawal from the national team without the club’s approval. The 32-year-old will reportedly spend the next few days in Antwerp to train at the same clinic where Kevin De Bruyne recovered from a high-degree muscle injury in previous months.
According to Sky, Lukaku faces consequences both on and off the pitch after breaking one of the club’s internal rules. The ex-Inter, Roma and Chelsea striker will likely receive a hefty fine given that he was expected to return to the Napoli training centre today. Talks between the club and the player’s camp are reportedly ongoing, but according to Sky , Lukaku seems unwilling to return to Naples before next week.
NAPOLI, ITALY – AUGUST 31: Romelu Lukaku of SSC Napoli talks with his coach Antonio Conte during the Serie A match between Napoli and Parma at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on August 31, 2024 in Napoli, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images) Coach Antonio Conte has also taken time off during the break, but in agreement with the club, so training sessions at Castelvolturno are currently led by his assistant Cristian Stellini. Lukaku’s decision has upset the club and Conte equally, and the Belgian is expected to face an uphill climb to secure consistent playing time in the second part of the campaign.
NAPLES, ITALY – FEBRUARY 10: Romelu Lukaku of SSC Napoli reacts after missing a penalty in the penalty shootout during the Coppa Italia match between SSC Napoli and Como 1907 at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on February 10, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images) Due to a severe muscle injury suffered in August, Lukaku has only recently made his 2025-26 debut, playing barely 60 minutes across seven competitions and scoring one goal. Sky notes that Lukaku’s decision will likely lead to even less playing time, which might put his spot in the Belgium squad for the World Cup in danger.