Lautaro Martinez ends goal draught as Inter cruise past Cagliari

Lautaro Martinez ended an eight-match scoring drought at Cagliari, netting the second in an engaging contest in Sardinia which Inter won with second-half goals from the Argentina striker, Alessandro Bastoni and Hakan Calhanoglu.  Inter have won their last five in Italy's top flight, scoring 19 and conceding just once, a burst in form which has re-established Inter as favourites to retain the Scudetto.

The only thing missing for Inter were goals from captain Martinez, who hadn't scored since November 3 before he prodded home Barella's cross in the 71st minute on Saturday. "The most important thing is that Inter win. If I get a goal too, then that's a bonus," said Lautaro Martinez in a post-match interview. "We work hard every day to win trophies and anyone who sets foot on the pitch will give their all for the team. We've just got to keep going and make 2025 like this year."

Simone Inzaghi's side could have won by an even more convincing margin had captain Martinez not wasted great chances in each half and Cagliari goalkeeper Simone Scuffet not pulled off superb saves to deny Marcus Thuram and midfielder Nicolo Barella.

But Martinez did net his seventh goal this season in all competitions and seven minutes later Calhanoglu made absolutely sure of the points from the penalty spot. Cagliari are just inside the relegation zone after a fourth consecutive defeat for Davide Nicola's side, a point behind Verona and Como who both play on Monday.

 

December 28, 2024