Lautaro Martinez double fires Inter to crucial victory

SERIE A Lautaro Martinez double fires Inter to crucial victory

Ifeanyi Ufomadu 19:59 - 28.01.2023

A brace from the prolific Lautaro Martinez cancelled out a magnificent finish from David Okereke to earn Inter Milan a 2-1 win against Serie A’s bottom side Cremonese

Lautaro Martinez struck twice to earn three crucial points for Inter Milan in a 2-1 victory against winless Cremonese. The win keeps Inter's slim title hopes alive.

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The Argentine’s 10th and 11th goals of the season helped Simone Inzaghi’s side come from behind after David Okerke gave Cremonese a shock lead with a spectacular strike.

Okereke scores stunning opener

 Cremonese supporters witnessed a real treat just 11 minutes in, as Nigerian striker, David Okereke cut inside Hakan Calhanoglu and curled a simply outstanding strike in off the woodwork.

David Okereke after scoring for Cremonese
David Okereke after scoring for Cremonese

Inter's equaliser arrived swiftly when Martínez clinically converted his 10th league goal of the season after Edin Dzeko’s initial strike was parried towards the Argentine.

Lautaro Matinez equalises for Inter Milan
Lautaro Matinez equalises for Inter Milan

In a blistering period full of attacking threat, Marco Benassi’s instinctive flick was stopped by Andre Onana and Martínez fizzed another effort agonisingly wide before the half-hour mark. 

There was also a big opportunity for either side shortly before halftime. Daniel Ciofani couldn’t guide his effort on target for the home side, and Marco Carnesecchi ensured another Martínez rebound didn’t beat him after the goalkeeper had parried Federico Dimarco’s strike.

Cremonese coach, Ballardini showed intent by introducing Cyriel Dessers and Felix Afena-Gyan on the hour mark. 

However, moments after Johan Vasquez had blocked Dzeko’s shot, the Mexican’s attempt at stopping a Martinez strike only deflected the ball into the net for the Argentine’s second of the game.

The win lifts Inter to second in the table, 10 points adrift of league leaders Napoli.

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Player of the match - Lautaro Martinez 

It has to be the man who scored a brilliant brace to pull his side back into the game after the surprising Cremonese lead. 

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His 10th and 11th goals of the season put him joint second with Ademola Lookman in the Serie A goal-scoring charts, as the Argentine enjoys another fine season in front of goal