Inter Milan superstar Lautaro Martinez returned to the scoresheet in Wednesday’s 3-0 rout of Serie A minnows Empoli.
During his post-match interview with DAZN, as reported by FCInterNews, the Argentina international addressed his recent Ballon d’Or nomination.
Lautaro Martinez inspired Inter to their 20th Scudetto last term.
Indeed, he netted 24 Serie A goals en route to his maiden Capocannoniere award.
However, he has blown hot and cold at the start of the new league campaign.
Martinez only bagged three goals in his first eight top-flight appearances heading into tonight’s clash in Tuscany.
But he shrugged off the pressure, slotting home a well-driven left-footed effort to make it 3-0 at Stadio Carlo Castellani.
Free-firing midfielder Davide Frattesi set the tone for Inter’s dominant win with a second-half brace.
Yet, it’s worth noting that Roberto D’Aversa’s side played with ten men since the 31st minute.
Referee Matteo Marchetti sent off Georgian defender Saba Goglichidze for a reckless tackle on Marcus Thuram.
It made Inter’s life a lot easier in the second half.
Martinez took his Serie A tally for the 2024/25 season to four this evening.
However, he suffered a massive disappointment on Monday, finishing seventh in the Ballon d’Or race.
Seemingly frustrated with the outcome, the 27-year-old broke his silence after the game.
“As for my seventh place in the Ballon d’Or, there’s room for improvement,” Martinez admitted.
“Honestly, I expected a bit more; sometimes awards aren’t decided in a fair way.
But I’m happy because I’m getting back into shape. I arrived a bit late after a long season, with the Copa America final and the lingering fatigue.
“We’re all working to be at our best and to give it our all, as the season is still long.”
The Inter captain also assessed tonight’s clash against a disciplined Empoli side.
“Empoli is a solid, in-form team; they’re tough to face because they’re physical and play well in the midfield.
“We prepared well, and with an extra man on the field, things became easier,” he concluded.
