Inter Milan news: Romelu Lukaku must train harder to keep his ‘massive body’ in shape, says Antonio Conte

Inter Milan slipped off the top of the Serie A table with a 2-1 defeat to Juventus

Inter Milan manager Antonio Conte has suggested that Romelu Lukaku needs to train more to keep his “massive body” in shape.

Lukaku has changed his diet over the summer in a bid to keep himself fitter after leaving Manchester United.

And his new boss Conte has encouraged the Belgian to continue to work hard to keep himself fit and in form.

“Romelu is definitely a player that must train more, because being a player with a massive body he needs to train, to play, to be in great shape,” Conte said after his side lost 2-1 to Juventus.

“In this beginning of the season he had this back issue, now he’s been dealing with this other quadricep issue since the game against Lazio.

“But I think he gave everything, it’s inevitable that against Barcelona we didn’t have Lukaku and it was important to have him. And we didn’t have him.

“However, Romelu as well was very committed today, he tried to do his best, and now let’s hope he can leave these little issues behind him and be at his 100 per cent.”

Lukaku was accused of being overweight towards the end of last season as he struggled for goals and impact at Old Trafford

Gary Neville was among those to criticise the striker, questioning his attitude and professionalism.

Romelu Lukaku celebrates with Antonio Conte (EPA)

At the time Lukaku hit back at Neville, posting a topless photo to social media showing that he was very much in shape.

“He [Neville] can talk about my fitness but he should never say anything about my professionalism, that I don’t work hard enough,” Lukaku said. “That is something he cannot say.’”

The new diet that Lukaku has adopted cuts out alcohol and fried foods. He has appeared leaner and quicker at the start of the new season, helping his club get off to a good start with three Serie A goals.

Inter Milan were knocked off the top of the table by Juventus after losing to their rivals.

Lautaro Martinez scored from the penalty spot but goals from Paulo Dybala and Gonzalo Higuain secured Juventus victory at the San Siro.