Cremonese coach Davide Ballardini admitted that Inter striker Lautaro Martinez had been too good for his team, as they fell to a 2-1 defeat yesterday.

Serie A’s basement club had been leading early on through David Okereke, but a Martinez brace at the Stadio Giovanni Zini saw Inter emerge as victors and leave the hosts rooted to the foot of the table.

Speaking in his post-match press conference, and as reported by FCInterNews.it, Ballardini admitted to being impressed with Martinez and fellow striker Edin Dzeko, with the pair leading the line for Simone Inzaghi’s Nerazzurri team.

“Dzeko is a great player, but the difference today was made by Lautaro, who ran like a madman and scored two goals,” the newly appointed coach declared.

Ballardini replaced Massimo Alvini earlier this month as he tries to maintain Cremonese’s Serie A status, and despite the defeat to Inter, felt his side showed the right attitude in their battle against relegation.

“It is the confirmation that the boys are serious and want to deserve something more than what we have seen so far.

“Now we think about the Coppa Italia match which is a very important competition, like all of them. The performance is a happy note, we have the right attitude.”

However, he admitted that his side had made critical errors against the Nerazzurri, whilst conceding the strength of the opponents.

“We made too many mistakes, out of possession. Situations of the game that are quite easy to read due to chaos, a bit also due to the skill of the opponents. Inter have players who take four steps and steal the ball from you,” he added.

Ballardini’s role at Cremonese is his first since leaving Genoa in 2021, having previously coached Palermo, Genoa, and Lazio, amongst a host of clubs through his career.