Inter Milan forwards Lautaro Martinez and Marcus Thuram acknowledged their “special bond” played a crucial role in the team’s commanding 5-2 triumph against Roma. They stressed that while “a dip in form can happen,” the team consistently gives its maximum effort.
The Nerazzurri had deeply felt the absence of their captain, who had been sidelined since sustaining a calf injury on February 18 during the Champions League play-off loss to Bodo/Glimt.
Marking his return, Martinez needed just 60 seconds to find the net with his first touch, setting the tone for Inter’s dominant 5-2 win against Roma. The victory also saw another goal from Lautaro Martinez, a spectacular long-range strike from Hakan Calhanoglu, and goals from Thuram and Nicolò Barella.
Lautaro Martinez and Thuram’s Reunion Ignites Inter
“This was a direct confrontation, a highly significant match for our league position, for our overall progress, and to send a message to ourselves,” Lautaro Martinez stated to DAZN Italia.
“We had to approach it with the correct mindset, as Roma is a formidable opponent that plays man-for-man. We are delighted; Thuram truly made a difference tonight, as he often does. Everyone can experience a drop in form, so I won’t claim he’s ‘back,’ but his performance tonight was outstanding.”
Thuram’s performance had also noticeably suffered during Lautaro Martinez’s absence. It was perhaps no mere coincidence that this evening he delivered two assists in addition to scoring a header.
“I certainly missed him, though Pio and Bonny are also vital contributors to our team,” Thuram remarked.
“It’s true that I share a special connection with Lauti; he’s our captain and leads by example when things get tough. He demonstrated that in the very first minute today, and we’re incredibly happy to have him back,” he added.
The San Siro crowd offered a touching standing ovation to Alessandro Bastoni, just days after his devastating red card in Italy’s World Cup play-off defeat against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The defender had faced intense media criticism, particularly following controversy surrounding his alleged simulation that led to Pierre Kalulu’s sending-off for Juventus. Furthermore, Bastoni is currently dealing with an ankle injury.
“When we speak of Bastoni and all the Italian players in the squad, they truly put their heart into every match; it gives me goosebumps,” Lautaro Martinez stated. “They give their absolute everything. Even after Italy’s elimination, they maintained their composure and were fully prepared to perform tonight.”
“For many years, we’ve been elevating Inter to significant achievements, and we must not stop now, even though we know there will be periods of reduced form,” he continued. “We accept criticism, we strive to give our utmost, and I am incredibly grateful to have such teammates.”
With this result, Inter can now await the outcome of Monday evening’s crucial match at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, where third-placed Napoli will host second-placed Milan. This fixture is anticipated to be a decisive encounter in the Scudetto race.
