Nottingham Forest have moved to address their pressing need for a physical presence in attack by securing the loan signing of Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca, the club announced on Friday.
The deal, which will see the towering Italian international remain at the City Ground until the end of the 2025/26 season, includes an option for the Premier League side to make the transfer permanent this summer for a reported fee of approximately âŹ40 million (ÂŁ34.7 million).
The 25-year-old arrives in England after a challenging first half of the season in Serie A, where he scored just once in 16 league appearances for Napoli, largely from a substitute role.
Forestâs decision to bring in Lucca is a direct response to a significant goal-scoring shortage that has hampered their campaign. The team has drawn a blank in 11 Premier League matches this season, the most of any side, and only bottom-placed Wolverhampton Wanderers have scored fewer goals.
This issue has been exacerbated by a knee injury to last seasonâs top scorer, Chris Wood, who netted 20 times, leaving a void in attack.
Forestâs global head of football, Edu Gaspar, emphasized the strategic nature of the signing, stating, âLorenzo is a player who adds specific qualities to our team, and we are really pleased he has joined us. Having played at the top level in different countries, he arrives with a good blend of experience and scope to continue developing as a playerâ.
The Italian strikerâs most compelling attribute is his formidable 6-foot-7 frame, which Forest hopes will translate into a much-needed aerial threat.
Analysis of the teamâs play reveals a specific tactical gap: while Forest has attempted the most crosses in the Premier League (532), they rank a lowly 17th for completion rate and have scored only five goals from such deliveries.
Lucca is seen as the ideal player to capitalize on this service. His physical profile is reminiscent of the injured Wood, offering manager Sean Dyche a focal point capable of holding up play and converting chances in the box.
This move follows the loan departure of summer signing Arnaud Kalimuendo to Frankfurt, indicating a clear shift in the profile of striker Dyche desires for his system.
Luccaâs journey to Nottingham represents a classic tale of persistence and gradual development. Born in Moncalieri, Italy, he rose through the youth ranks of Torino before making his professional breakthrough at Palermo in Serie C, where he scored 14 goals in the 2020-21 season.
His performances earned him a move to Pisa in Serie B and subsequently a high-profile loan to Dutch giants Ajax, where he became the first Italian to play for the club. It was at Udinese, however, where he truly showcased his potential at the top level, registering 29 goal involvements (goals and assists) in 75 appearances over two seasons and netting 14 goals in 36 games during the 2024-25 campaign.
This form prompted Napoli to acquire him last summer, though regular playing time proved elusive. Internationally, he has earned five senior caps for Italy since his debut in October 2024.
The loan agreement is structured as a straight six-month deal with a summer decision point. While the option to buy is not mandatory, it gives Forest significant control over Luccaâs future.
For the player, this move offers a crucial opportunity for regular first-team football to rediscover the scoring touch he demonstrated at Udinese and to prove he can adapt to the demands of English football. For a Forest side sitting just five points above the relegation zone, the immediate impact of their new number 20 could be vital to their survival hopes.
As Edu concluded in his welcome statement, âEveryone at the club welcomes Lorenzo, and we are all looking forward to seeing the impact he can have for the rest of the seasonâ.