Romelu Lukaku’s first season at Napoli under Antonio Conte is redefining his attacking style in an unprecedented way, as the Belgian international is evolving beyond a traditional target striker.

While the former Juventus, Chelsea, and Inter manager was eager to sign a striker capable of exploiting his team’s rapid counterattacks, other Napoli players are also benefiting from Lukaku’s playmaking and his ability to create chances for teammates with precise timing.

Beyond his involvement in Napoli’s opening goal, the 31-year-old also assisted both of Scott McTominay’s goals in the 3-0 victory over Empoli, a role he seems increasingly comfortable and dominant in.

For the first time in his professional career, Lukaku has reached double digits in both goals and assists, registering 12 goals and 10 assists in 30 Serie A matches. A remarkable tally of 22 direct goal contributions, accounting for nearly half of Napoli’s 51 league goals this season.

His closest previous achievement was in the 2020-21 season, when he played a key role in Antonio Conte’s title-winning Inter side, scoring 24 goals and providing 9 assists. The Italian coach praised Lukaku’s performance after his assist for McTominay’s first goal against Empoli, shouting: “That goal was yours!”