Inter striker Lautaro Martinez must improve his scoring rate and overall standard of performances in the Champions League if he is to prove himself as a top-level centre-forward.

This according to today’s print edition of Turin-based newspaper Tuttosport, who note that a decisive influence in Europe’s top competition looks to be the missing next step for the 25-year-old as he has grown in stature and reputation at the Nerazzurri.

Martinez has impressed with his performances in the league so far this season, with not just goals but also an increased hunger to impact the game and get on the ball even in difficult matches setting the tone in attack and dragging his team up the pitch in tough matches.

However, the Argentine has notably struggled in the Champions League over the past couple season, with Tuttosport noting that his two goals from 48 attempts since the 2020-21 campaign gives him the worst strike rate in the competition, just 4.2% of his shots going in.

Martinez has been gaining a greater and greater reputation at Inter, and now the time has come for the striker to step up in the Champions League.