The gestures from the captain and the midfielder were notable in their face-off with their former teammate before the match.
Inter defeated Roma in the match marked by Lukaku’s return to San Siro. It was Thuram, his replacement in Nerazzurri, who decided the contest, scoring in the second half with an assist from Di Marco and securing the victory for Simone Inzaghi’s men.
Inter fans gave the Belgian a special reception, with chants and a barrage of jeers against Roma’s striker. Even before the kickoff, there were particular incidents involving Inter players and their former teammate, Lukaku, especially Lautaro Martinez and Barella.
Lukaku at San Siro, the gestures of Lautaro and Barella
Some Nerazzurri players didn’t appreciate Lukaku’s decisions during the last summer transfer window. The Belgian, who appeared to be very close to rejoining Inter, did not respond to messages and calls from his former teammates.
He came close to moving to historic rivals Juventus and, after that deal fell through, decided to accept Roma’s offer. This was particularly disappointing for Lautaro Martinez, with whom he had a special bond during his time in ‘Nerazzurro’.
Before the game, during the customary pre-match exchange, Inter’s captain, face to face with Lukaku, gave him a high five without looking at him and ignored his attempt for a hug. The greetings with Barella and Acerbi were equally chilly, with the latter quickly turning to give Lukaku a hostile look.
