Lautaro Martinez on difficult 2025 and advice for Inter teammate Esposito

Lautaro Martinez admits his fitness levels in 2025 were a problem, but he ‘kept going’ for Inter and has advice for teammate Francesco Pio Esposito.

The Nerazzurri knew that the pressure was on against Atalanta after a disappointing Supercoppa Italiana campaign, losing the semi-final to Bologna on penalties, meaning they ended 2025 without a single piece of silverware.

They had a goal disallowed in Bergamo for offside before finding the breakthrough, when substitute Pio Esposito intercepted a wayward Berat Djimsiti pass and generously set up Lautaro Martinez.

“It was a head-to-head because Atalanta are a strong side who in recent years achieved so much in Serie A and Europe. They are a team to be respected, they were very aggressive and we knew what we were going to face today, but we prepared well and have to keep improving,” the captain told DAZN Italia.

“I’m happy, this is a gift for all the Inter fans, and for our families who stand with us.”

A late Christmas gift for Lautaro Martinez and Inter Milan, and they take the lead in Bergamo! 🎁

Djimsiti won’t want to see that back 🫣

📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/Z4sdv6Y3Xl

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) December 28, 2025

Lautaro Martinez has now scored in four consecutive Serie A matches, something he hadn’t achieved since 2021.

He is the current Capocannoniere with nine goals, one ahead of Milan’s Christian Pulisic, and ends 2025 with a total of 15 in the Italian top flight.

“I ended last season in a lot of pain with my flexor, I got badly hurt ahead of a very important game,” explained Lautaro Martinez.

“I kept going even during the Club World Cup and international duty, I had a very short vacation, but we must keep going and trying to do better. With lads like Esposito behind me, I need to raise the level to keep my place!

“I talk about Esposito all the time, he works hard, is eager to learn. We all made mistakes when we were his age, so we need to give him the opportunity to do the same without pressure, especially as he is Italian, and so important for the future of Italian football.”

Pio Esposito had only been on the pitch for a few moments when he proved decisive with that interception, intelligently laying it off for Lautaro Martinez to score.

“I thought of coming on with the right mentality and this chance came along straight away, I tried to make the right decision and Lauti did the rest,” Esposito told DAZN Italia.

“I don’t expect anything, I just want to work hard every day, try to learn from all the champions that I get the benefit of training with, and hope to keep improving.”

Inter end 2025 on top of the Serie A table, one point clear of AC Milan and two ahead of Napoli.