Inter striker Lautaro Martinez is no longer secure in his status as the first-choice penalty-taker at the club.
This according to today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, who report that Hakan Calhanoglu could be made the unquestioned first-choice from the spot after the Argentine’s saved effort against AC Milan.
Martinez took over as the main penalty-taker following the departure of Romelu Lukaku in the summer, but has not shown the Belgian’s clinical streak from spot kicks.
Calhanoglu was given the responsibility of taking a penalty against his former side in Sunday’s derby clash which he slotted away, while Martinez had his shot saved when the team had the chance to go ahead in the match, effectively costing the Nerazzurri three points.
The club are reportedly ready to face the fact that a clinical edge from the spot is not one of the 24-year-old’s better qualities, while his teammate Calhanoglu has a very positive record and could be given penalty duties.
Penalties have been a problem for the Nerazzurri this season with the team sometimes appearing to make impromptu decisions on who to take one on the pitch, and they could look to impose more consistency on the question.
