Inzaghi backs Inter star Martinez to rediscover golden touch

Simeone Inzaghi has few concerns over the form of Inter captain Lautaro Martinez.

Inter beat Como 2-0 on Monday, meaning they head into Christmas in third place in Serie A, three points behind leaders Atalanta.

Carlos Augusto and Marcus Thuram were on target as Inter reeled off a fourth straight league victory.

However, striker Martinez – who was the leading scorer in Serie A last season and also won the Golden Boot at the Copa America – failed to spark, having only one shot on target. He has netted only six times in all competitions this term, and has not scored in over a month.

But Inzaghi is not worried.

“I was a striker, I know these moments happen,” the Inter coach said.

“Lautaro was one of the outstanding performers against Lazio.

“The forwards are working hard, we ask a lot of them and are trying to rest them as much as possible in the circumstances.

“I told Lautaro to relax, because he has always scored goals and always will, luck will turn and he should only be worried if he doesn’t get scoring opportunities.”

Martinez is performing around what would be anticipated based on the quality of chances he has had this season, with his six goals coming from 5.7 expected goals.

He has had 44 shots, meaning his shot conversion rate is 13.64%, down from 17.88% last season.

Inter’s run of four wins is their best in Serie A since a streak of 10 victories between January and March, and Inzaghi is satisfied with the level his team are showing.

“Clearly we are maintaining a very high level. All teams are running ahead, there are opponents like Como who come to play great games, but we played an important game as a mature and aware team,” he said.

“I feared this match a lot, we had some weaknesses in the back line. We played a game of concentration, in the first half we weren’t as sharp as usual. Then in the second half we raised the intensity and struck at the right moments.”