MY ACCOUNT
Inter head coach Simone Inzaghi has declared he was “never worried” about Lautaro Martinez, after his return to goalscoring form.
The Argentina striker endured a five-match scoreless streak in Serie A before he was on target against Salernitana in midweek, having also found the back of the net in a 3-3 Champions League draw with Barcelona.
He claimed a double to make it four goals in three games and contributed an assist in Inter’s dramatic 4-3 victory at Fiorentina on Saturday.
Martinez was the catalyst for Nicolo Barella’s opening goal, then weaved his way through the defence to double his side’s lead and showing composure from the spot to put Inter 3-2 up in the second half after the Viola had got back on level terms.
Luka Jovic’s late strike then looked to have earned the Fiorentina a point, but Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s fortune goal five minutes into time added on settled a classic contest.
Martinez’s brace took his tally in Serie A this season to six, putting him joint-top in the scoring charts, and Inzaghi said he never had any concerns about the 25-year-old’s lack of goals.
“I was not worried about Toro even when he was not scoring, because he always does what he has to do in training and in the game, beyond the goals,” he told Gazzetta dello Sport.
The Inter boss also backed Joaquin Correa, who saw his struggles continue with his display in Florence, adding: “Correa was well placed tonight at the service of the team and well positioned with Lautaro.
“He was used to always playing, he must be good at carving out the right moments. He can only grow and will improve a lot.”
Inter are also set to be boosted by the return of key players from injury, with Romelu Lukaku, Marcelo Brozovic and Roberto Gagliardini set to be back in contention.
“We can’t wait. I have never had them in these games. Lukaku, Brozovic and Gagliardini will return. We need it,” Inzaghi said after seeing his side move back above Juventus into seventh place.
