Ex West Ham United Veteran Cements Himself As First-Choice Backup Striker For Inter Milan | OneFootball

Marko Arnautovic has cemented himself as the first-choice backup striker for Inter Milan with his performance against Lazio.

This according to today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews.

Marko Arnautovic has certainly been far from a regular in the Inter Milan team this season.

The Austrian has had relatively few opportunities in Serie A. And more often than not, these have come off the bench rather than as a starter.

Arnautovic did make a decisive contribution in the league earlier this month. He scored the winner in a 2-1 victory over Fiorentina.

But in fact, Arnautovic’s opportunities have come more in the cup competitions.

Marko Arnautovic Cements His Place As First-Choice Inter Milan Backup Striker

Marko Arnautovic did start for Inter in the Coppa Italia against Lazio this week.

The 35-year-old led the line alongside Mehdi Taremi. Inter coach Simone Inzaghi was without Marcus Thuram due to injury, and looked to give Lautaro Martinez a rest.

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)

And it was contrasting performances from the two starting strikers for Inter.

For Taremi, it was a deeply frustrating and underwhelming evening.

The Iranian’s holdup play was poor as he frequently lost the ball under little pressure. And he provided little threat in the Lazio penalty area.

On the other hand, Arnautovic did better. The Austrian did give Inter more of an attacking focal point than Taremi.

Then, Arnautovic proved decisive. The former Stoke City and West Ham United striker opened the scoring with a stunning volley towards the end of the first half.

That naturally proved an injection in confidence for Arnautovic, who is also looking in some of his best physical form since he returned to Inter in 2023.

With Taremi struggling for form and confidence, it is now Arnautovic who is the main backup in attack for Inter.