Inter striker Romelu Lukaku has revealed the surprising advice he received from Juventus superstar Cristiano Ronaldo upon joining the Serie A title chasers.
Lukaku has slotted seemlessly into Antonio Conte's side at the Italian top-flight leaders with 12 goals in 17 games since his €65 million switch from Manchester United.
And the 26-year-old admits he received a surprising warning from the Juventus ace, who lifted the Serie A title and MVP award in his debut campaign last season.
"He [Ronaldo] told me this is the hardest defensive league in the world," Lukaku told the New York Times.
"He said he'd scored goals everywhere, but this was the toughest place to do it. And if Cristiano Ronaldo thinks it's difficult, then it must be really difficult.
"It is harder than England. The football is more intense there, but here everything is pattern of play."
After 17 rounds of fixtures, Inter and Juve are level on 42 points, with only goal-difference keeping Conte's side at the summit.