Conte opens up on Lukaku - the crucial world is 'patience'

Antonio Conte has confirmed Romelu Lukaku's return to full first-team training ahead of Napoli's Supercoppa Italiana semi-final against AC Milan, while urging patience over the striker's long-awaited comeback.

Lukaku has been sidelined for 125 days after picking up an injury in August, and although his reintegration into the group is a significant boost for Napoli, Conte made it clear the Belgian is not yet ready to start.

"Romelu has no minutes in his legs," Conte explained. "We have to be patient and wait for the right moment. The most important thing is that he's back with the group, because he carries enormous weight in the dressing room."

Napoli head into Thursday's clash with Milan in need of a response after consecutive defeats in Serie A and the Champions League, and while Lukaku's presence alone lifts morale, Conte is unwilling to take any risks with the 31-year-old.

"We'll evaluate the physical tests carefully," the Napoli coach added. "The priority is making sure he can return without the slightest danger of having to stop again."

Big blow for Napoli – Lukaku sidelined until the end of the year!?

The Supercoppa Italiana semi-final represents Napoli's first chance at silverware this season, but Conte insists short-term success will not come at the expense of Lukaku's long-term fitness. The Belgian forward may not feature from the start, yet his gradual return is seen as a crucial step in Napoli's attempt to regain momentum.

SUPERCOPPA ITALIANA

Semi-finals

Thursday

22.00: (2.80) Napoli (3.15) Milan (2.65)

Friday

22.00: (5.90) Bologna (3.90) Inter (1.67)

***odds are subject to change***