Lautaro Martinez has been named as Inter Milan’s man of the match in yesterday evening’s Supercoppa Italiana triumph over Napoli.
Today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews, give the 26-year-old a score of 7.5/10 in the player ratings for the match.
Martinez scored his 21st goal of the season in all competitions yesterday.
It is not yet February, but the Argentine is already pushing close to his best ever goal total for Inter.
The 26-year-old’s goal also couldn’t have been timed much better.
Inter had huffed and puffed to try and break down Napoli’s defense. The Partenopei had stuck to their task very well, including in terms of keeping Martinez quiet.
Napoli’s back three, Amir Rrahmani in particular, did well to deny the Inter captain space.
Therefore, there was little in the way of good chances for Martinez or Inter.
But in the end, the 26-year-old proved that he only needs one chance.
Lautaro Martinez Named As Inter MOTM In Supercoppa Win Vs Napoli
Martinez popped up in stoppage time to score Inter’s winner.
Having been marshalled by the Napoli defense all match, the Argentine showed his determination to be decisive and be at the right place at the right time, sooner or later.
Martinez sensed the opportunity to get free from the Napoli defenders as Inter worked the ball into the box.
Alexis Sanchez played in Benjamin Pavard. And the Frenchman played the cutback to Martinez.
And there was the captain, with just enough time and space to apply the first-time finish.
Martinez may not have had many opportunities. But he showed that he doesn’t need them.
The 26-year-old’s balance and composure to slot the ball past Partenopei could hardly have been better.
Martinez got his goal in the end, looking every bit the player in the form of his life.
