Lautaro: “It’s important to still be in there”

MILAN – A duo of powerful first-time efforts by Lautaro Martinez turned the game against Empoli Inter’s way and sealed a comeback that seemed unlikely when the team fell two goals behind early on. The Argentine discussed the slow start to the match in a post-match interview with DAZN.

“The beginning of the game went badly. We made a good start and were on the attack, but we conceded two goals and if we hadn’t scored straight away, the game could’ve become extremely difficult. We managed to stay calm and did well to recover.”

Lautaro’s brace was effectively a lesson in technique and character, as the forward explained. “The first goal was more difficult because I had a defender in front of me and [Hakan] Calhanoglu’s ball was a bit underhit. I went for the far post because I saw the goalkeeper had two defenders in front of him.”

With 19 league goals, 23 in all competitions and 11 in his last 11 appearances, Lautaro’s track record is particularly impressive, with his performances improving in the business end of the season. “Every game has been important for so long now. We’re fighting for another trophy and it’s important to still be in there. Now we need to focus on ourselves in our last three games and try to win them all.”

The striker’s mentality stems from his own footballing family. “I always try to improve every day and go up a level. That’s what sport is about and the same thing goes for life. I learnt that from my father, who was also a footballer. I learnt straight away what this sport is about and how key it is to give your all in training and follow what the coach says. I want to help the team and Inter; that’s the most important thing.”