The Sky-High Solution: Why Lorenzo Lucca is the Chosen One to Replace Chris Wood at Nottingham Forest
In the cold, unforgiving theater of a Premier League relegation scrap, desperation often dictates the script. For Nottingham Forest and head coach Sean Dyche, the script currently features a gaping hole where a focal point used to be. With talismanic striker Chris Wood sidelined indefinitely following knee surgery, the Garibaldi are locked in a frantic search for a successor.
The name at the top of the list? Lorenzo Lucca.
Standing at a staggering 6’7″ (201cm), the Italian international has become the subject of an intense enquiry from Forest. As the January transfer window enters its most volatile phase, here is why the Napoli forward (on loan from Udinese) has become the primary target at the City Ground and why Forest have emerged as the favorites to secure his signature.
The Chris Wood Vacuum
To understand Forest’s pursuit of Lucca, one must understand the tactical “black hole” created by Chris Wood’s injury. Before his knee issues began in late 2025, Wood was the fulcrum of Dyche’s system. He wasn’t just a goalscorer; he was a target, a physical deterrent, and a release valve for a team that often plays on the counter.
The current alternatives have struggled. Igor Jesus has found the net only once in 20 appearances, and Taiwo Awoniyi is still searching for his first league goal of the campaign as he builds back match fitness. With the recent departure of Arnaud Kalimuendo to Eintracht Frankfurt, the squad is not just thin—it is devoid of the “Big Man” profile that Dyche’s football demands.
Who is Lorenzo Lucca?
Lorenzo Lucca is not your traditional modern striker. In an era of “false nines” and nippy wingers converted into forwards, Lucca is a throwback. He is a physical anomaly—a “Tower of Pisa” (the club where he first made his name) who possesses surprising technical grace for a man of his stature.
Currently on loan at Napoli from Udinese, Lucca’s season in Naples has been one of frustration. Despite the €9m loan fee Napoli paid in the summer of 2025, he has found himself buried under the hierarchy of Antonio Conte’s squad, competing with the likes of Romelu Lukaku and Rasmus Højlund. With only two goals in 21 appearances across all competitions this season, the 25-year-old is reportedly “cold” on his current situation and eager for a platform where his unique skillset is the centerpiece, rather than a plan B.
The Tactical Marriage: Why Lucca Fits Dycheball
Sean Dyche has never hidden his tactical preferences. He requires a striker who can dominate the “first ball,” win aerial duels, and hold up play to allow midfielders like Morgan Gibbs-White to join the attack.
Lucca is more than just a head on a stick. His underlying numbers suggest a player who creates chances out of nothing through sheer physical presence. He wins fouls in dangerous areas and has a “bullet header” that is arguably among the best in Europe. For a Forest side that relies heavily on set-pieces, Lucca is a dream acquisition.
Why Nottingham Forest are the Favorites
While the likes of Benfica, Lazio, and AS Roma have been credited with interest, Nottingham Forest are currently leading the race. Several factors make the City Ground the most likely destination:
1. The “Edu” Factor and Owner Ambition
With Edu Gaspar now leading the recruitment strategy at Forest, the club’s reach in the European market has expanded. Owner Evangelos Marinakis has made it clear he will back Dyche to ensure Premier League survival. Unlike Italian suitors who may prefer a loan-to-buy deal, Forest have the financial muscle to structure a deal that satisfies both Napoli (to cut the loan short) and Udinese (the parent club).
2. Guaranteed Starting Minutes
At Napoli, Lucca is a bit-part player. At Roma or Lazio, he would be a rotational option. At Nottingham Forest, he is the uncontested starter. With Wood out and the other strikers misfiring, Lucca would walk straight into the starting XI for a Premier League side. For a player looking to secure his spot in the Italy squad for upcoming internationals, the allure of being “The Man” in the world’s most-watched league is a powerful motivator.
3. The “Style Fit” Guarantee
Players often fail when they move to clubs that don’t suit their style. Lucca knows that in a Sean Dyche team, he will be fed a constant diet of crosses and long balls. It is a system built specifically to exploit his 6’7″ frame. While he has reportedly expressed a preference to stay in Italy, the realization that Forest’s system is a “hand-in-glove” fit for his career revival is expected to tilt the scales.
4. The Dan Ndoye “No”
Napoli recently attempted to turn Forest’s interest into a swap deal involving Forest winger Dan Ndoye. Forest’s firm rejection of this proposal—while maintaining their pursuit of Lucca—signals two things: they value their current squad depth, and they are confident enough to pursue Lucca on a standalone basis.
The Challenges Ahead
The deal is far from simple. Because Lucca is currently on loan, a “three-party” agreement is required. Napoli must be compensated for breaking the loan, and Udinese must agree to a permanent sale (rumored to be around £30m/€35m) or a fresh loan with a mandatory purchase clause.
Furthermore, Forest must convince Lucca that a move to the East Midlands is the right step for his family and his international career. However, the prospect of playing in front of a raucous City Ground and becoming a Premier League cult hero is a pitch few can ignore.
Final Verdict
If Nottingham Forest can pull this off, it would be the statement signing of the January window. Lorenzo Lucca isn’t just a replacement for Chris Wood; he is a potential upgrade. He offers the youth, the height, and the technical ceiling to not only keep Forest in the Premier League but to become the face of their attack for years to come.
As the clock ticks toward the deadline, all eyes remain on the giant Italian. The “Tower” may be moving from Naples to Nottingham, and the City Ground is ready to look up.