Lautaro Martinez and Barella: ‘More Inter trophies in 2025’ | OneFootball

Lautaro Martinez assures Inter want to ‘bring more trophies’ to the club in 2025, while Nicolò Barella ‘prefers an assist to a goal’ after providing two against Cagliari.

It has been a regular theme for the Nerazzurri this season that they started sluggishly, but then blew the opposition away in the second half.

This was also the case in Sardinia, where the deadlock was not broken until an Alessandro Bastoni looping header on 53 minutes, followed by Lautaro Martinez breaking his Serie A goal drought and a Hakan Calhanoglu penalty.

Curiously, all three goals came about from set plays that were not dealt with effectively.

“I am happy above all because we were up against a team that was desperate for points. It was important for us to get the win before going to Riyadh for the Supercoppa,” Lautaro Martinez told DAZN.

The captain had not found the net in Serie A since November 3 and missed an incredible sitter earlier today when somehow heading the cross away from goal rather than into it.

“As I always say, the most important thing is that Inter win. If I get a goal too, then that’s a bonus,” added Lautaro Martinez.

“We work hard every day to bring trophies to Inter and anyone who sets foot on the pitch will give his all for the team. That is what we say inside the locker room, we’ve got to keep going and make 2025 like 2024.”

Lautaro Martinez and Barella see Inter progress

CAGLIARI, ITALY – DECEMBER 28: Alessandro Bastoni of Inter celebrates his goal 0-1 during the Serie A match between Cagliari and FC Internazionale at Sardegna Arena on December 28, 2024 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images)

Inter have won five consecutive Serie A away fixtures without conceding a goal, a run they had not managed since 1966-67.

“We have improved a lot and must thank the coach for all that he gives us,” said Barella.

“This is an incredible squad with lads who are all working in the same direction and that is what means the most. I always say that I prefer an assist to a goal, the strikers do incredible work for the team.”

This victory puts Inter temporarily joint top of the table with Atalanta after both have played 17 rounds.

While La Dea visit Lazio this evening, the reigning Scudetto holders have a game in hand with Fiorentina to be played in February.

These two sides will then face off on January 2 for the Supercoppa Italiana semi-final.

“It will certainly be a great game, Atalanta have made an extra step up to close the gap this season. We congratulate them for their form, but our objective is to win every game and it doesn’t matter who we are up against,” concluded Barella.