Lautaro Martinez’s mixed-bag performance against Bologna failed to win over the Italian media, who were less than impressed with the Inter captain’s performance.
The 26-year-old Argentinian striker scored his 10th goal of the Serie A season after 13 minutes against Thiago Motta’s side, but his smile was quickly wiped away after he fouled Lewis Ferguson in the box, gifting the Rossoblu a penalty in the 19th minute.
Lautaro and Inter were ultimately punished for this when Joshua Zirkzee netted the equaliser early in the second half, leaving them frustrated and disappointed as they walked away from the match with a solitary point. The result allowed Milan to climb ahead in the league table.
La Gazzetta dello Sport took stock of Lautaro’s work in the draw with Bologna, highlighting his impressive goal but disappointing drop in defensive focus, writing: “The goal is a jewel, it’s revenge after Benfica. But centre forwards must make themselves marked, not mark their opponents, otherwise there’s trouble. And he causes trouble. Naïve.”
Corriere dello Sport’s review of the Argentine’s performance was slightly more forgiving, noting how he was close to netting a winner later in the match, commenting: “He invented from about 20 metres a shot where Skorupski could do nothing, then in his area he tackled Ferguson, Guida saved it, VAR didn’t, and it was a penalty kick. In the second half he came close to scoring the winning goal.”
Lautaro’s ratings in the Italian newspapers
La Gazzetta dello Sport: 6
Corriere dello Sport: 6
Tuttosport: 5.5