Take word, Manchester City: the larger the match, the larger the efficiency from Lautaro Martinez these days.
After scoring key targets in opposition to Benfica and metropolis rival AC Milan to assist safe Inter Milan a spot within the Champions League last, Martinez netted twice because the Nerazzurri produced a 2-1 comeback win over Fiorentina to defend the Italian Cup trophy on Wednesday.
It’s the second trophy that Inter has gained this season after additionally beating Milan within the Italian Super Cup in January — when Martinez additionally scored.
After a few matches to complete up Serie A, Martinez and Inter can be aiming for yet another trophy once they face City within the Champions League last on June 10 in Istanbul.
“In all honesty, I am moved, because for a couple of years we have been bringing trophies to this great club and we’ve got to continue this way,” mentioned Martinez, who additionally performed a giant position when Inter gained Serie A in 2021. “I want to keep contributing for Inter, because that’s what matters.”
Martinez now has a career-best 27 targets throughout all competitions for Inter this season, having additionally helped Argentina win the World Cup in December. He’s additionally the one participant to have appeared in all 54 of Inter’s matches this season.
The match on the Stadio Olimpico was energetic from the beginning as Nicolas Gonzalez put Fiorentina forward three minutes in following a lapse by Inter’s protection. A cross from Jonathan Ikone was allowed to drift throughout the realm for Gonzalez to knock in on the far publish.
Then Martinez took over to place Inter forward earlier than the break.
First, a superbly positioned via ball from Marcelo Brozovic arrange the equalizer as Martinez ran onto the move and scored with an angled shot into the far nook for his a hundredth objective with Inter. Then Martinez produced an acrobatic volley to redirect in a move from Nicolo Barella.
Martinez additionally almost produced one other objective when he arrange Edin Dzeko with solely the goalkeeper to beat however Dzeko’s shot sailed excessive over the bar.
Fiorentina will play West Ham within the Europa Conference League last on June 7.
“We were hoping for a different result but this will serve as experience and preparation for what to expect on a mental level and how to handle the match for the Conference League final,” Fiorentina coach Vincenzo Italiano mentioned.
It’s the ninth Italian Cup title for Inter, whereas Nerazzurri coach Simone Inzaghi has now gained seven of his eight finals as a supervisor.
“We started poorly and had the wrong approach, which is rare for us, but the guys did well to stay in the game anyhow and then turn it around,” Inzaghi mentioned. “The team is improving match by match.” By reaching the ultimate, Inter and Fiorentina had every already certified for subsequent season’s expanded Italian Super Cup, which is able to function 4 groups that additionally embrace Serie A champion Napoli and the league runner-up.