Lautaro Martinez: It Is Difficult To Balance Lukaku In Counterattacks

Romelu Lukaku and Lautaro Martinez (Twitter @inter_en)

JAKARTA - Lautaro Martinez admits that it is sometimes difficult to 'match' Romelu Lukaku when he is at full speed. He also emphasized that Inter's success in winning the capolista "is only the beginning".

The Argentina international was awarded a penalty which Lukaku executed perfectly in the 22nd minute. He also scored the 'easiest' goal of his career when he took advantage of the empty net from the Belgian striker's cross in the 3-1 win over Lazio, Monday, February 15.

🥰 | BIG ROM We've run out of adjectives, can you help us out? 🤷‍♂️ @ RomeluLukaku9 is __________ 🖊️ # InterLazio #FORZAINTER ⚫️🔵 pic.twitter.com/mxbgU0d4oS

- Inter (@Inter_en) February 14, 2021

"Romelu works really hard for the team and sometimes I have to start running early to compensate for him on the counter-attack," Martinez told Sky Sport Italia after the match.

"I'm a little tired, but I'm trying to recover in training and feel ready now whenever the coach wants to use me."

With this result, Inter are top of the Serie A standings ahead of the Derby della Madonnina against Milan next week.

🔄 | 78 '- SUBSTITUTIONOur second change: #Lautaro makes way for @Alexis_Sanchez! #InterLazio 3⃣-1⃣ # FORZAINTER ⚫️🔵 pic.twitter.com/BWqh67Ottt

- Inter (@Inter_en) February 14, 2021

"We are very happy to be at the top, that's what we work for. As the coach said, this is only the beginning, so we have to defend the first position and not let it go, "continued Lautaro.

"There is a derby on Sunday, if we want to stay there we have to continue working like we have done so far."

Masterclass pic.twitter.com/QjcUuOQliU

- 𝓚𝓪𝓵𝓪𝓶𝓲𝓽𝔂 ➐ (@QKalamity) February 14, 2021