Lautaro Martinez made history as the first Serie A substitute to score four goals, but insists ‘the important thing is that Inter won’ their trip to Salernitana.
It was a much-needed confidence booster following the midweek 2-1 home defeat to Sassuolo, which ended their perfect record in the campaign so far.
The Nerazzurri had been stuttering at the Stadio Arechi until Simone Inzaghi looked to the bench and made changes, including the introduction of his Argentina international hitman.
“It was crucial for us. We lost a game at San Siro that I don’t think we deserved, but we conceded two goals from our errors, so we had to win today,” Lautaro Martinez told Sky Sport Italia.
“We created chances in the first half and didn’t finish them off. We came on with the right determination after the break, the one Inter should always have. I scored four goals, but the important thing is that Inter won the game.”
Inter had seemed unstoppable until that disappointing home defeat to Sassuolo and are now joint leaders with their city rivals Milan.
“I think we had a bit of a physical dip, as we press high and try to win the ball back as soon as we lose it, so that all takes its toll. The coach makes his choices, the important thing is that we are all ready when called upon to step up.”
Lautaro Martinez is having his best start to any season, managing nine goals in the opening seven Serie A games, not to mention his Champions League equaliser away to Real Sociedad.
Along with being named captain of the squad, he also credits his life off the field with helping his development and maturity.
“I try to improve both on the field and off. I have a family, two children now and that helps me to stay focused and centred.”