Inter Milan Coach Provides Major Fitness Update On Argentina Talisman: “Hope To Have Him Back For Parma Clash” | OneFootball

Inter Milan coach Simone Inzaghi offered a promising fitness update on Lautaro Martinez ahead of tomorrow’s Coppa Italia clash against AC Milan.

During his pre-game conference via FCInterNews, Inzaghi addressed numerous crucial topics, including El Toro’s fitness condition.

The Nerazzurri will meet fierce rivals Milan in a mouth-watering Coppa Italia semi-final tie.

Simone Inzaghi is keen to avenge a hat-trick of winless matches against Sergio Conceicao’s side this season.

Indeed, Milan stunned Inter in the Supercoppa Italiana final in January, hauling back a two-goal deficit to win 3-2.

Furthermore, after six consecutive wins in this fixture, Inzaghi’s charges failed to beat the Rossoneri in both league games this term.

Therefore, Inter will have an added motive to impress in tomorrow’s first leg at the San Siro.

“We know the importance of this match – a Coppa Italia semi-final against Milan,” Inzaghi admitted.

“There’s a great desire to put in an excellent performance.

“We’re facing a strong team that has caused difficulties not only for us but for other teams as well.

“It’s a 180-minute game, but our mindset is always to start strong.

“It’s never guaranteed, but that’s what we aim to do tomorrow night as well.”

Meanwhile, Inzaghi is pleased with Inter’s form heading into the season finale.

“Our main goal was to be in this position at the start of April, still competing in all competitions.

“At Inter, it’s difficult to set a single objective because you’re always involved in three, and this year, four competitions.

“Now comes the tough part, but being in contention for everything is a source of pride.

“It will demand a lot of physical energy, but that’s exactly what we wanted.”

Inter Milan Boss Simone Inzaghi Discusses Lautaro Martinez Fitness

MILAN, ITALY – JANUARY 29: Lautaro Martinez of FC Internazionale celebrates scoring his team’s third goal to complete his hat-trick during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD8 match between FC Internazionale Milano and AS Monaco at Stadio San Siro on January 29, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Inter Milan coach Simone Inzaghi lost Lautaro Martinez to a muscle injury at the start of March’s international break.

However, Simone Inzaghi hopes to have captain Lautaro Martinez back for the upcoming Serie A game when Inter Milan travel to Parma.

“He’s been working well for the past two or three days,” Inzaghi continued.

“We want him available for Parma, but we’ll have to monitor him daily.

“Everyone follows their own recovery schedules, but setbacks can always happen.

“If it were up to him, he’d always be ready, but he had that issue against Atalanta.

“We hope he’ll be available on Saturday, but we can’t be certain yet.”

In addition to the Argentine star, Inter cannot call upon Mehdi Taremi, who could be out for two more weeks.

“Taremi’s injury is unfortunate, so tomorrow we’ll have to rely on our three available forwards,” Inzaghi added.

“We’ll likely bring a Primavera striker to the bench, reducing his minutes in today’s Youth League match.

“We’ll see today and tomorrow, after the final training session, who is in the best condition to play.”

Yann Sommer Or Josep Martinez In Goal Against AC Milan?

LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 11: Goalkeeper Yann Sommer of FC Internazionale during the pre-season friendly match between Chelsea and FC Internazionale at Stamford Bridge on August 11, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images)

Yann Sommer has regained his place between the sticks after recovering from thumb surgery.

However, Josep Martinez fared well in the Swiss veteran’s absence and could start in goal tomorrow.

“I’ve made my decision, but I want to inform the players first,” Inzaghi said.

“Compared to Sunday, Bastoni returns, while Asllani is out due to suspension.

“We’ll have to assess De Vrij, and Taremi won’t be available. Other than that, we’ll have the same squad as Sunday.”

Simone Inzaghi Hails Davide Frattesi Resurgence

MILAN, ITALY – DECEMBER 19: Davide Frattesi of FC Internazionale reactsduring the Coppa Italia, Round of 16 match between FC Internazionale and Udinese Calcio at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on December 19, 2024 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Davide Frattesi returned to the starting line-up in last weekend’s home clash against Udinese.

More importantly, the former Sassuolo midfielder scored a crucial second goal to inspire Inter to a 2-1 win.

“He had shown that he was in good shape, he returned from the national team doing one excellent training session after another.

“He deserved to play and played an intense match. We will see today.

“He had a small foot problem that forced me to substitute him, otherwise, he would have stayed on longer.

“Asllani will be out, and on Saturday we won’t have Barella; I need to make some evaluations.

“I saw the guys again yesterday morning after Udinese, and he seemed to be fine.”

However, Inter faltered in the second half, as Inzaghi offered his verdict on his side’s post-halftime showing.

“There are a lot of games in a short span, but on Sunday we played an exceptional first half.

“Until we conceded the goal, the team was on the field without taking many risks, even though we didn’t approach it like the first half.

“After the 2-1, we lost our clarity.

“A well-organized team like ours must understand that there are opponents on the field who can create difficulties.

“Inter must always play football like we did on Sunday, that is our priority.”

Simone Inzaghi Praises AC Milan Superstar Rafael Leao

MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 16: Rafael Leao of AC Milan is challenged by Matteo Darmian of Inter Milan during the Serie A TIM match between FC Internazionale and AC Milan at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on September 16, 2023 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Despite his rough patch, Rafael Leao remains a formidable force in attack.

Indeed, he has been Milan’s best player for years, hence the confusion over Conceciao’s decision to bench him against Napoli.

“Leao is an excellent player, but we can’t focus only on him,” Inzaghi said.

“Milan’s players can all cause problems, and they all need to be watched carefully.

“They are a quality team that can trouble anyone. We have seen the derbies, the match against Real Madrid.

“They have had difficulties this season, but in a single match, they can trouble anyone.

“We will need to be focused, knowing that both teams want the Coppa Italia final.

“Previous results don’t take the field. In Riyadh, we had an excellent first half, then in the second, we weren’t as good.

“In the league, we didn’t start well, but then we played a great second half.

“There are always unforeseen events in matches, and they must be managed in the best way.”

Marko Arnautovic Renaissance & Primavera Up-And-Comers

MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 25: Marko Arnautovic of FC Internazionale celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Coppa Italia Quarter Final match between FC Internazionale and SS Lazio at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on February 25, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Asked whether Inter would reconsider their stance on Marko Arnautovic, Inzaghi refused to offer a direct answer.

The 35-year-old’s contract runs out at the end of the season, with the club unwilling to offer him fresh terms.

However, Inzaghi reiterated his trust in the Austrian veteran.

“I can’t say. You know how much faith I have in him, I wanted him strongly,” Inzaghi stated.

“He is a quality player and has given us a lot. He hasn’t scored like he did in Bologna.

“But he also hasn’t played like he did in Bologna; he has always given his contribution, and I hope he continues to do so until the end.

“We will think about his contract at the end of the season, our full focus is on what we need to do from now until the finish.

“But Marko helps the whole group, both on and off the pitch.”

Finally, Inzaghi addressed Primavera’s impressive results.

‘There is great synergy with Zanchetta. I hope they can win in Turkey today.

“Berenbruch and Aidoo stayed with us, on Sunday they were ready to come on.

“And tomorrow, the forward who plays less today will be on the bench because we need everyone.

“Berenbruch is a player who is working well, he made his debut in the Champions League with Cocchi.

“He knows that in this moment, given our difficulties in midfield, he might already have his chance.”