- Exclusive by Alessandro Schiavone
Juve legend Zoff tips Lukaku for success
By Alessandro Schiavone
Iconic former Juventus keeper Dino Zoff has tipped new Chelsea star Romelu Lukaku to be a success at Stamford Bridge.
Lukaku's Blues will test their Champions League credentials tonight when they travel to Turin to take on Juventus for the first time since November 2012.
Nine years ago the embattled Blues suffered a 3-0 drubbing at the hands of Zoff's heir Gianluigi Buffon and company.
Now as then, Chelsea were the reigning champions but after the trashing in Turin in their penultimate group stage game, Roberto Di Matteo’s men were left starring down the barrel.
The Italian manager paid the ultimate price for his team’s poor form and was relieved of his duties the following day, with Chelsea failing to advance to the knockout round in spite of a 6-1 win over Danish minnows Nordsjaelland in the final group game.
But history won’t repeat itself for Zoff as Chelsea can turn to Lukaku if the going gets this time around.
Zoff said: “ I think Lukaku will finally do well at a big English club. He matured a lot last season in Milan with Inter and can carry that form over to Chelsea. If he decided to return to England it means that he feels he can make the difference there as well. Juve and Chelsea will qualify.”
When asked to name a goalkeeper he loves watching today, Zoff singled out former Chelsea target and Liverpool star Alisson. The Brazilian was linked with a switch to London in 2018 before setting his heart on joining Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool revolution at Anfield .
He said: “Alisson left a great impression in Italy but I haven’t followed him enough last season. He is one of the best but I will only be able to tell you who the best is after the next World Cup in 2022.”
