Scaloni on Lautaro, Nico Paz and Dibu Martinez ‘iconic’ save on Kolo Muani | OneFootball

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni admits not having a ‘live memory’ of Dibu Martinez’s iconic save on Randal Kolo Muani in the 2022 World Cup Final and insists Lautaro Martinez is a ‘fundamental’ player for Inter and his country.

Lautaro’s Inter and Juventus meet at the Allianz Stadium in Turin on Sunday in one of the season’s most anticipated games. Scaloni, a former Lazio defender, will be at the stadium watching the match.

“I’m very curious and excited to watch one of the most important matches of the Italian season,” the Argentina coach told Gazzetta.

“A clash enriched by the long-distance duel between two of the best strikers in the world. Lautaro is in great form, he’s in a perfect mindset, and in 2025, he has been scoring a lot of goals. Kolo Muani is a winter signing, he’s just arrived and couldn’t have started better. It will be a great match.”

Kolo Muani joined Juventus in the January transfer window and has scored five goals in his first four appearances with the Bianconeri.

Scaloni on Lautaro, Nico Paz and Dibu Martinez ‘iconic’ save on Kolo Muani

COMO, ITALY – FEBRUARY 07: Randal Kolo Muani of Juventus celebrates after scoring their team’s first goal during the Serie A match between Como 1907 and Juventus at Stadio G. Sinigaglia on February 07, 2025 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

The Frenchman had a massive chance to win France the World Cup in 2022 but saw Dibu Martinez produce an incredible save in the stoppages.

“Well, that became one of the most iconic and important moments in the history of the Argentine national team and, consequently, as the head coach, of my life,” said Scaloni.

“But that’s a feeling that came afterwards. At the moment of Dibu’s save on Kolo Muani, I have no ‘live’ memory, probably because of the tension. Then, yes, later, it became a classic, and it always will be.”

Lautaro has 15 goals in 33 appearances with Inter and even if he faced a tough time at the start of the season, Scaloni was never worried.

“Lautaro is a complete player, he’s not just a striker whose value is measured by his goals,” he said.

“He’s a player who links up with the team, and that’s even more true in this Inter side under Inzaghi. He drops deep to allow the midfielders to push forward and link up with them; his movements are never random and are always beneficial for the team.

“His tactical intelligence makes him much more than just a forward. He is always there; whether he scores or not, he is vital and fundamental to the functioning of his team. That’s why I’ve never been worried. I know him and appreciate him like a son.”

MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 10: Lautaro Martinez of Internazionale celebrates his team’s 1st goal, an own goal by Marin Pongracic of Fiorentina, during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Fiorentina at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on February 10, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Juventus are practically out of the race for the title, but Scaloni is not surprised to see the Old Lady only fighting for a top-four finish.

“No, not at all. Let me explain: Juventus are a team returning to what they once were. They are restructuring after going through many changes at all levels, club, coaching staff, and players,” he said.

“In recent history, they have built legendary teams, and now they are going through a phase that I consider necessary, an important transition that every team must go through at some point. The most important thing is that they are still there. Obviously, this year they cannot compete for the title, but they can fight for a Champions League spot. They are not that low in the standings, and they have a chance to progress in Europe. The key is to continue on the path of returning to what they once were, if not the biggest team in Italy, then certainly one of the biggest.

“It’s not just a matter of changes in playing style and coaches,” he continued.

“I don’t remember exactly how many new players joined Juventus between summer and winter, but I’m sure it’s more than ten, a lot. The transition would have been as big if the coach had stayed the same. Motta needs time.”

Argentina international Nico Gonzalez joined the Bianconeri last summer.

“He’s an important player,” insisted Scaloni.

“If he’s fit, he will always be with us because he gives us something extra that we don’t have: depth, dribbling, set pieces. He is one of the key players in our national team. He got injured, came back, and is now playing. I think in the future, he will also be an important player for Juventus.”

Nico Paz of Como 1907 looks on during the Serie A match between Como 1907 and ACF Fiorentina at Stadio G. Sinigaglia on November 24, 2024 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Nico Paz is shining for Como in his first season in Serie A.

“I hope he will be a national team player for life, for as long as he wants,” said Scaloni.

“We have great hopes for him. We will proceed calmly, just as Como is doing, protecting him, taking care of him, and giving him the opportunity to play alongside great players.

“He was lucky to be picked up by a team that plays the kind of football he likes and by a coach who appreciates him and understands football the way he does. Otherwise, adapting to Italy at such a young age would have been difficult. On top of that, he has a high-level mindset and is a calm, composed guy, all of which help.”

Scaloni has even picked Nico Paz over Dybala in recent Argentina matches.

“Paulo is playing, and that’s important. He has always been in our plans, but in the last few games, we have preferred Nico Paz,” he concluded.

“We’ll see for the next squad list. But with Ranieri, he has started playing again, just like Leandro Paredes. They have found a sense of stability within the club.”

During the same interview, Scaloni said he “could not” force Italy international Mateo Retegui to pick Argentina over Italy.