Former Juventus striker Fabrizio Ravanelli believes that Inter coach Simone Inzaghi should not play Lautaro Martinez from the start this evening against Lazio.
Speaking to Italian broadcaster Sky Sport Italia, the 52-year-old gave the view that the Argentine striker could potentially pick up an injury should he play from the start so soon after his return from the international break.
Martinez arrived in Rome yesterday evening and questions remain on his fitness given that he had played as recently as Thursday night when he got on the scoresheet for Argentina in their 1-0 win over Peru.
The 24-year-old is an important player for the Nerazzurri and would likely be a factor in their strongest eleven for the important clash with Lazio, but missing out on him in further matches could be a serious problem.
For this reason, Ravanelli believes that the best approach would be to leave the striker on the bench for the start of this evening’s match.
“I believe that Inzaghi said gave words in the circumstances,” he explained, “but that the formation he has in mind is clearly meant with Perisic. He cannot risk Lautaro from the start after such a journey, and adding minutes into his legs.”
He went on, “He would risk a lot of injury and to not be available for the next matches, which will be decisive. I foresee a game with a great show, Lazio lose solidity and a true leader without Acerbi. Perisic is very fast, Dzeko is physical. I see Inter as the favourite.”