At long last, Inter Milan will fight for a continental title, and they have to thank a former Manchester United "flop" for it.
Antonio Conte's men will return to an international competition's final for the first time since 2010, and they will do so thanks to Romelu Lukaku's massive form in the tournament. A brace capped the Belgian ace's run into the competition, and it also secured a spot in the competition's history for Inter's footballer.
The first player to score in 10 straight #UEL matches in history.
— Adriano Del Monte (@adriandelmonte) August 17, 2020
Romelu Lukaku pic.twitter.com/fAXvgc2v3U
! Lukaku has scored in a record 10 consecutive UEL games! #UEL pic.twitter.com/O5WaHtt0zk
— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) August 17, 2020
If you thought Lukaku's form this season was limited to showing his skills in European competitions, you'd be a bit mistaken, as he is close to re-write the team's record books. In fact, if he can get a brace against Sevilla, the player could topple Ronaldo in one of Inter's all-time lists of goalscorers.
Most goals in a debut season for Inter
— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) August 17, 2020
Ronaldo: 34
Lukaku: 33
?#UEL #UELfinal pic.twitter.com/68p38DQOcZ
And on top of it all, Lukaku's goalscoring haul was better than that of one legendary striker from La Liga...
Club goals scored this season:
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) August 17, 2020
Lukaku: 32
Messi: 31 pic.twitter.com/ZsxXQYzCkr
Last, but not least, Inter's form will give them hope for a new international title on Friday after securing their spot in the UEL final with a special milestone in the competition.
5 - Inter Milan's 5-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk is the biggest margin of victory in a single Europa League/UEFA Cup semi-final game. Drubbing. pic.twitter.com/yY9cQCpkYv
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) August 17, 2020