Inter Milan and Lukaku off to ideal start

It was the perfect start to Antonio Conte’s Inter career, a 4-0 victory over Lecce with Romelu Lukaku and Antonio Candreva among the scorers.

The Nerazzuri coach spoke after the victory which saw the Belgian new signing shoot on target on his Serie A debut after his hard-fought move from Manchester United.

‘Let’s not forget Lukaku cost €65m to be paid over five years, so when people talk about big money spent, it wasn’t even that much,’ insisted Conte.

‘Tonight, Lukaku showed why we tried so hard to sign him.’

Icardi was not even included in the squad this evening and did not attend the Serie A opener, but former players Ivan Perisic and Keita Balde Diao were in the stands as guests.

Wanda Nara, the striker’s wife and agent, said yesterday that he would continue to turn down every option other than remaining with Inter.

‘Marotta gave the response. I think he was very clear,’ replied Conte.