Fiorentina striker Christian Kouame has sang the praises of Inter strikers Romelu Lukaku and Lautaro Martinez ahead of tomorrow evening’s match between the two clubs at San Siro.
“He has it all. He has physical strength, speed, ability to pick up the team, great skills. If I had to choose something to take from him, I would say his great ability to defend the ball. It is practically impossible to take him off the ball,” he explained in an interview with Italian daily newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport.
As for Lautaro, who scored a career high 21 goals last season, he added: “He has impressive technique that he combines with incredible speed and execution. The Argentine is truly a phenomenon.”
The former Inter academy player was then asked about whether he thinks a return to Inter could be on the cards for him and he also reflected on the time he spent with the Nerazzurri club a few years ago.
“I don’t think so. Before the injury I was about to go to the Premier League but, obviously, Florence was in my future and I am very happy to be here now. I think my injury was a sign of destiny.
“My time at Inter? I was mainly in the Primavera but there were occasions that I happened to train with the first team and when I did I tried to steal the secrets of the trade from the forwards at the club, in particular from Icardi and Palacio.”
In conclusion the Ivorian national team forward then went on to speak about the race for the Serie A title this season.
“Are Juve the favourites? Yes, but Inter has strengthened further and in my opinion they could give them a hard time.”
22-year-old Kouame joined Inter on a six month loan deal which covered the second half of the 2015/16 season and during that time he made 19 appearances across all competitions, all of which came for Inter’s Primavera. He scored three goals when on the pitch.