Official: Nottingham Forest send Lucca back to Napoli

Nottingham Forest confirm Lorenzo Lucca will return to Napoli after a six-month loan spell at the City Ground.

Italy international Lucca will return to Napoli after a six-month loan spell at Nottingham Forest, the Premier League club confirmed in a statement on Wednesday.

Forest confirmed their retained list for 2026-27, but didn’t include the Italian centre-forward.

“Lorenzo Lucca will return to SSC Napoli following the conclusion of his loan spell at the City Ground,” Forest said.

Lucca joined Forest on loan with an option to buy from Napoli in the January transfer window, but only made four Premier League appearances, scoring one goal.

Lucca also collected five appearances in the Europa League, scoring no goals.

The 2025-26 season was quite tough for the 25-year-old, who failed to impress at both Napoli and Forest.

Lucca joined the Partenopei from Udinese for €26m a year ago, but didn’t settle in under Antonio Conte, leaving the Stadio Maradona after just six months.

Lucca will now be assessed by Massimiliano Allegri, who is expected to be appointed as the new Napoli coach in the coming days.

Lucca finished the 2025-26 season with just three goals in 32 games with Napoli and Forest.