Inter Milan face their biggest remaining league fixture of the season without captain Lautaro Martinez, and a staggering statistic illustrates just how much the Argentina striker’s absence changes the entire complexion of the Nerazzurri’s campaign.
According to La Repubblica, via FCInter1908, with Lautaro in the lineup Inter are on a pace equivalent to 96 points across the season, averaging 2.5 goals per game.
Without him, that projection collapses to 60 points, a total that would place Inter ninth in Serie A.
Indeed, his absence effectively halves both the goals scored and the points accumulated.
Como Vs Inter Milan – Calhanoglu, Barella & Thuram Must Step Up Without Their Captain Lautaro
Therefore, the responsibility tonight falls squarely on the shoulders of the three players who stepped up most effectively against Roma last week.
Calhanoglu, Barella and Thuram all scored in that 5-2 win at San Siro and will need to produce again at the Sinigaglia.
Furthermore, Pio Esposito is expected to partner Thuram up front, continuing in the role he has filled admirably throughout Lautaro‘s various absences this season.
However, no one at Appiano Gentile needs reminding of the numbers.
The captain’s presence is irreplaceable. The others simply have to try their best to prove otherwise.
