Lautaro Martinez and Thuram share ‘a special bond’ | OneFootball

Lautaro Martinez and Marcus Thuram admit they have ‘a special bond’ that worked so well tonight in Inter’s 5-2 victory over Roma. ‘A dip in form can happen, but we give our all.’

The Nerazzurri had really missed their captain, who had not featured since suffering a calf injury during the Champions League play-off defeat to Bodo/Glimt on February 18.

It took him 60 seconds to score with his first touch on the comeback, paving the way for a 5-2 victory over Roma, with another Lautaro Martinez goal, Hakan Calhanoglu screamer from distance, plus Thuram and Nicolò Barella strikes.

Lautaro Martinez and Thuram reunited to inspire Inter

MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 05: Lautaro Martinez of Inter celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and AS Roma at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 05, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

“This was a head-to-head, a very important match for the table, for our journey, for a signal to ourselves,” Lautaro Martinez told DAZN Italia.

“We needed to get out there with the right attitude, because Roma are a very strong team, who play man for man. We are happy, Thuram made the difference, as he usually does. Everyone can have a dip in form, so I won’t say he’s back, but he was great tonight.”

MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 05: Marcus Thuram of FC Internazionale Milano celebrates scoring his team’s fourth goal during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and AS Roma at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 05, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

The absence of Lautaro Martinez had also affected Thuram, who it is perhaps no coincidence this evening provided two assists, along with scoring a header.

“I did miss him, but Pio and Bonny are very important for the team too,” said Thuram.

“It’s true I have a special bond with Lauti, he is our captain and sets the example in the most difficult moments. He did that in the first minute today and we are so glad he’s back with us.”

There was also a touching moment when Alessandro Bastoni received a standing ovation from the San Siro crowd, days after the devastating red card in Italy’s World Cup play-off defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The defender has been bitterly criticised in the media, especially in the wake of the controversy over his simulation to get Pierre Kalulu sent off for Juventus, and is carrying an ankle injury.

“When you talk about Bastoni and all the Italians in the squad, they give their heart on the field, it gives me goosebumps. They give everything, even when Italy went out, they worked with heads held high and were ready to deliver tonight,” added Lautaro Martinez.

“For many years now, we’ve been taking Inter to great heights, and we cannot afford to stop now, but there are going to be dips. We accept criticism, we try to give all we’ve got, and I am so happy to have these teammates.”

MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 05: Lautaro Martinez of Inter celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and AS Roma at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 05, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

This result means Inter can sit back and watch what happens at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on Monday evening, when third-placed Napoli host Milan in second, a game that should decide who gets to challenge for the Scudetto.