Lautaro Martinez was the star of the show in Inter’s Coppa Italia final win over Fiorentina, earning widespread praise from the Italian press.
The Nerazzurri fell 1-0 down after just three minutes following a Nicolas Gonzalez opener, but two goals from Lautaro later in the first half was enough to drive the team to victory, confirming the club’s ninth ever Coppa Italia.
Lautaro proved his mettle in the Coppa Italia final and the result will give him and the squad a key boost ahead of the Champions League final against Manchester City on June 10 in Istanbul.
La Gazzetta dello Sport had high praise for Lautaro when reviewing his performance, discussing his ability to take over matches and how he was the difference maker for Inter at a crucial time.
“There is no matador who holds even if the Bull has sharp horns. What a centre forward. At the first opportunity he brings the match back to level standings, then he invents a brace with a crazy play, anticipating Milenkovic.
“It’s not all here, it’s there in every attacking action and it’s what the midfielders meet when they’re in trouble. Few doubts: this cup should end up on Lautaro’s home bulletin board.”
Corriere dello Sport were equally as impressed by the 25-year-old’s work, noting his effect on the club’s president Steven Zhang and ability to turn up the jets when it counts, saying: “A nice way to celebrate 100 goals with the Inter shirt, he puts the Nerazzurri back on the boat, who seemed a bit dull. Then the speedometer reads 101 and Zhang in the stands looks like a Curva Nord ultra.”
Lautaro’s ratings in the Italian newspapers
La Gazzetta dello Sport: 8
Corriere dello Sport: 8
Tuttosport: 8