Lautaro Martinez highlighted the positivity in the Inter squad ahead of their Supercoppa Italiana final against Napoli, saying the players ‘have fun’ on the pitch.
The Nerazzurri faced no difficulties in their Supercoppa semi-final with Lazio earlier this week, cruising to a 3-0 victory after goals from Marcus Thuram, Hakan Calhanoglu and Davide Frattesi. Their opponents Napoli reached the final after beating Fiorentina 3-0.
Simone Inzaghi has guided Inter to victory in the last two editions of the Supercoppa and is keen to complete the hattrick as his side eye up more exciting goals like the Scudetto and possibly even the Champions League.
Speaking in a press conference via TMW, Lautaro first discussed how he doesn’t need to score to perform well for Inter.
“I always say that it’s not important who scores, but developing the game like we did the other day. It was a great match from everyone, the important thing is to follow this team, a journey with a high-level coach.
“We must continue like this, working. Tomorrow we will have an important match to play against a worthy opponent.”
He was asked if he felt like one of the best forwards in the world.
“I try to work every day to improve and lend a hand to my teammates, make the fans happy and achieve goals. I feel I’m at a high level, I’m working a lot, but I don’t have to say where I am at the moment. It’s you who are in this work, I think about giving my best.”
The Argentine striker touched on the dangers in the final with Napoli.
“We must always think about the match that awaits us tomorrow. We know that in the end it will be a difficult period, we have important matches ahead of us and we are all ready, the coach knows it.
“Everyone is ready to come on, then the coach decides the 11 who work from the start and whoever comes on.
“The group is united, we’re fine, everyone knows what to do. It’s important to recover energy and prepare well for the match ahead of us.”
He spoke about the help and service he receives from his teammates.
“We are very happy, all of us attackers. We have many chances to score and this is thanks to the team. It all starts with the goalkeeper, this means that we are working well, we have a clear idea of the game in mind.
“We demonstrate that we do well, that we work well in Appiano and then we try to win the matches.”
Lautaro discussed the fun the Inter players are having.
“It’s a beautiful word, it’s what we did as children when we started playing football. In this period, we have certainly gone back to being children on the pitch.
“We have fun, sometimes it seems like you’re playing with friends, because the group is united and it goes in the same direction. It’s important when the results go your way, but we shouldn’t relax yet.”
He was not interested in thinking about Scudetto rivals Juventus.
“Why? Not me. I’m thinking about our match tomorrow, the trophy we’re playing for is very important for us, it’s one of our goals for the season and I’m thinking about preparing well for this match.”
He was asked about his contract renewal with the Nerazzurri.
“I don’t know, we are working with the club. I’m thinking about tomorrow’s match and returning to Milan to my children, who I miss so much.”
The 26-year-old commented on how he plays with Thuram.
“I try to see what he does, so as not to do the same movement and the same job. I’m happy, since I’ve been at Inter, I’ve played with important forwards, from whom I’ve learned and who always give me a push to improve.”
Finally, Lautaro discussed how important it would be to beat Napoli.
“A lot, we’re the reigning champions. We’ve won it for two years and we really want to bring it home, for us it’s a goal. We had a great match against Lazio and the last step is missing.”