Lautaro marks 150th appearance with goal

VENICE – Despite starting the game on the bench, Lautaro Martinez certainly left his mark on Venezia, thanks to a stoppage-time penalty that sent his countryman Sergio Romero the wrong way to celebrate 150 Inter appearances in all competitions.

Lautaro’s Inter debut was back on 19 August 2018 and he has gone from strength to strength ever since. The late strike on Saturday was the forward’s 56th goal in 150 appearances, which was discussed in his post-match interview.

“We knew it wouldn’t be an easy game at a fiery stadium on a small pitch in the rain. We have to keep working hard in this way. We’re moving up the table after dropping some key points. We have to keep hold of the Scudetto and we want to keep boosting our league position.

“We’re on a good run at the moment and there’s a good feeling at the club. We’re pleased with our performance and the fact that we’re heading back to Milan with all three points that keep us moving upwards. We have to continue down this path. It’s impossible to say now who’ll win it, but we just have to take it step by step.

“I missed my previous penalty, but you have to take one to be able to miss one. It’s awful when you miss but that can happen when you step up to the spot. I’m pleased I scored. I’ve worked hard every day and battled for this jersey and the Scudetto that we have on our chest ever since I joined the club and we hope to keep moving forward in this vein.”