Lautaro Martinez getting back among the goals was certainly a sight for sore eyes for Inter Milan coach Simone Inzaghi.
Today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews, highlight the significant of the Nerazzurri captain’s return to form.
Prior to yesterday against Udinese, Inter captain Martinez had not scored so far this season.
That constituted a remarkable dropoff considering how prolific the Argentine typically is for Inter.
Moreover, Martinez had also had a slowdown in form at the end of last season as well.
The captain’s only goal for the Nerazzurri after February came in a 5-0 win over Frosinone.
This led to worries that Martinez may not only be experiencing a bad couple of matches or a period where his fitness is not at his best.
The goal drought lasted long enough that it made it unclear whether Inter can rely on their captain for goals.
Lautaro Martinez Goals A Sight For Sore Eyes For Inter Milan
Yesterday in Friuli, though, Martinez was decisive for Inter.
The 27-year-old did what he so often did throughout last season. He fought relentlessly and then showed his clinical edge when he had the chance.
There was a bit of fortune in Martinez’s first goal.
But the second, just after halftime, was vintage from the Inter captain.
Inter benefited from exactly those sorts of performances from Martinez over the first half of last season in particular, where they build the foundations of their Serie A title triumph.
Martinez showed that he can be the player who unlocks matches week in and week out.
Subpar displays from the captain in draws against Genoa and Monza were therefore a very worrying omen for Inter if they’re hoping to replicate last season’s form.
But yesterday’s brace from the captain was hugely reassuring.
Now Inter coach Simone Inzaghi will hope that Martinez can repeat this in the weeks to come.