Inter Milan captain Lautaro Martinez has earned the honour of Man of the Match against Monza, whilst Denzel Dumfries and Marko Arnautovic also drew praise for their displays in the 2-0 Serie A opening day win.
Today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews, heap praise on the captain in the player ratings.
Yesterday, Argentine international striker Martinez was Inter captain for the first time.
The 25-year-old has worn the armband in the past. But in yesterday’s match he did so on a full-time basis rather than merely because Samir Handanovic wasn’t starting.
And, the Gazzetta argued, Martinez lived up to the billing.
The striker scored both Inter goals in a 2-0 win. Naturally, this is at the heart of the reasoning for his receiving the highest score of any player on the pitch.
But that was not all Martinez did.
The Argentine also provided linkup play to keep the team up the pitch all match. He should an awareness of when to drop back and when to push up against the Brianzoli defenders.
Moreover, Martinez’ defensive workrate was as intense as fans have come to expect from him.
The Gazzetta awarded Martinez a 7.5/10 score in the player ratings for the match.
Not Just Lautaro – Dumfries & Arnautovic Also Shine Vs Monza
Meanwhile, two Inter players also received 7/10 scores from the Gazzetta, just one notch below Martinez.
One was wingback Dumfries.
The Dutchman put in a very solid shift down Inter’s right flank. He made his presence felt at both ends of the pitch in his hour and change on the pitch, and set up Martinez’s opening goal with a pinpoint cross.
Meanwhile, Arnautovic made a big impact in his first competitive appearance in his second spell at Inter.
The Austrian came off the bench in the second half.
His holdup play gave the Nerazzurri a new dimension, and like Dumfries, he also assisted Martinez.
