Former Inter defender Beppe Bergomi has expressed his concern at the form of Nerazzurri and Argentina striker Lautaro Martinez, but defended Romelu Lukaku.
Martinez came in for criticism after a series of poor misses during Argentina’s 2-1 victory over Australia at the 2022 World Cup yesterday, whilst his tournament has been blighted by poor displays and wayward finishing.
Belgium striker Lukaku had also endured a disappointing campaign after rushing back from injury, with the Red Devils eliminated in the group stage, but in an interview published in today’s newspaper edition of La Gazzetta dello Sport, Bergomi offered his thoughts on the form of Inter’s two attackers.
“The only Inter player in difficulty at the World Cup is Lautaro. I hope his World Cup takes off and then he comes back energised for Inter. Paired with Lukaku, Toro is too important,” the 58-year-old claimed.
“I’m going against the tide, but I think Lukaku was just unlucky. Although he hasn’t played for a long time, he has transformed Belgium.
“Now Inter find a player who has made progress from a physical point of view,” he added.
Inter goalkeeper Andre Onana also endured a turbulent World Cup after being sent home by Cameroon, but Bergomi felt that the former Ajax player had the right mentality to recover, and was the right choice for the Nerazzurri ahead of captain Samir Handanovic.
“I think he has the right character to let negativity slide over him. Although I have always defended Handanovic, the change in goal had to be done.”
The former defender also argued that it was crucial for Inter to tie centre-back Milan Skriniar down to a new contract, whilst suggesting that the sale of Robin Gosens would require a new winger to come in.
“Skriniar is such a professional that he will be able to give everything, separating the pitch from what goes on around him.
“If Gosens really were to leave, then a winger would be needed who can beat their man. There are no other Perisics, but a one-on-one winger would be useful,” he concluded.
Bergomi spent his entire career with Inter, making 754 appearances between 1980 and 1999.
