Lautaro Martinez said it was crucial to “make the most of this opportunity” to start up front for Inter after scoring in the Nerazzurri’s 2-0 win over Cagliari.

The 21 year-old opened the scoring for Luciano Spalletti’s side early in the first half after being picked ahead of Mauro Icardi, who was rested ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League match against PSV Eindhoven, and spoke to Sky Sport after the match.

“I’m very happy,” he said.

“We put in a great performance, especially in the first half: in the second half we faded a little, but we kept looking for the goal that would have killed the game and eventually we found it.

“I was really desperate to get back onto the pitch. We work hard during the week to be ready to play and I had to make the most of this opportunity.

Asked what kind of person he is, Lautaro replied: “I’m very calm and aware. I want to live well and work hard.

“I’ve set myself some goals and I will achieve them.”