Inter Milan’s late spark in Pisa: Lautaro leads the turning point

Chivu’s Inter Milan finds victory and renewed morale thanks to decisive substitutions and Lautaro's fire

As the sun set over the sky of Pisa, the mood of Inter Milan supporters was sinking just as quickly: a blocked match, few ideas, many errors, and several dangerous moments endured. 

It took just one spark—this time generated by the substitutions, unlike Madrid—to tilt the game: Esposito’s hunger, Lautaro Martínez’s fury, Diouf’s dynamism and Zielinski’s elegance.

And just like that, the overall judgment changed, exactly as it did on that night at the Wanda Metropolitano: in the 92nd minute back then Inter Milan were within inches of a near miracle; yesterday, they were on the brink of collapse. 

But as often happens, the result changes everything, and thanks to Lautaro’s brace, spirits are high again and the top of the table is still there, just one point away—despite everything.

Lautaro’s response to criticism and the team’s turning point

As if it were even necessary, Lautaro Martínez delivered yet another powerful answer to his critics. Social media has said it all; TV panels have repeated every possible take: he’s not in form, he should be benched, and so on.
The reality is that the Argentine is the soul of Inter Milan: his drive and his fire are essential to achieving major objectives. His teammates know it, as shown by the beautiful embrace after the opening goal.

And what a reply to those who claim—without any real basis—that he only scores against small teams. 

This, coming from someone who scored in a Champions League semifinal and in countless big matches. As Chivu said pre-match, “certain things” about him should be left to others; if someone believes that repeating a lie often enough turns it into the truth, good for them.

Finally, Pisa was supposed to be a sort of last chance for Luis Henrique after his two poor performances against Milan and Atlético Madrid. 

The Brazilian actually started well today, with some interesting ideas and neat one-touch combinations in tight spaces. But he faded as the match went on, making way for a much more dynamic and in-form Andy Diouf.

And so we ask ourselves whether yesterday’s match offers a surprising idea: what if their roles were reversed? 

At the moment, Luis Henrique does not seem to have the pace required to play as a wing-back, something Diouf surprisingly showed he can do, while Henrique could instead offer interesting solutions in midfield, because quality is not something he lacks.

Obviously, it’s a provocation — but who knows if it might one day become reality. Because making these two transfer operations succeed is fundamental for the rest of Inter Milan’s season.

Source: Fcinter1908