Lautaro Martinez: ‘Inter showed our strength against Como’

Lautaro Martinez insists Inter ‘proved our strength today against an excellent side like Como’ in a thumping 4-0 victory and explains how he learned to deal with criticism.

The Nerazzurri were feeling the pressure going into this clash, as Como were one of the form teams in Serie A and had not conceded more than once in any game this season.

That made the 4-0 result incredible, with Lautaro Martinez, Thuram, Hakan Calhanoglu and Carlos Augusto on target.

“We proved all of our strength today against an excellent side like Como, who are doing very well this season, with quality young players and a coach with a positive idea of football. However, we proved that we want all the points available and this was a very important victory,” Lautaro Martinez told DAZN Italia.

This goal means the Argentine has scored against 30 of the 31 different clubs he faced in Serie A, failing only to get the better of Chievo in that single appearance.

He received an award before kick-off for his place in the all-time Inter scoring charts, so is his influence under-rated because he is still in the peak of his career?

“I don’t even realise sometimes what I am achieving with hard work and sacrifice here. I didn’t have a great childhood, but I would never have come here if not for my family, so I thank them for always being with me. And I thank the fans, who from the first day gave me their love and support. I am grateful and try to show that by leaving it all on the pitch,” replied Lautaro Martinez.

It’s remarkable to think there was criticism of his performances only a couple of weeks ago.

“I have learned how to deal with criticism, because when you are young and inexperienced, these things do hurt. I learned from others that the main thing is what my teammates give me.”

This was a strong statement of Inter’s Scudetto credentials, and temporarily put them top of the table, awaiting this weekend’s results from Milan, Napoli and Roma.

Luis Henrique received his third consecutive start in all competition, then Carlos Augusto came off the bench and made an immediate impact on the right flank.

“I am happy for the goal, but above all for the win, as the team played a great game. I always put the team in first place, I work for the side and will do my best wherever I am placed,” noted Carlos Augusto on DAZN Italia.