Atletico Madrid 2-1 Inter Milan – Nerazzurri Vice-President Defends Argentina Megastar Amid Difficult Patch: “Among The Best Stirkers Around” | OneFootball

Inter Milan vice-president Javier Zanetti has praised Lautaro Martinez following the team’s 2-1 loss at Atletico Madrid.

Speaking on the YouTube channel ‘Calcio Franco’ via FCInterNews, Zanetti also waxed lyrical about Francesco Pio Esposito.

Lautaro Martinez faltered in yet another high-profile game.

Indeed, after drawing a blank against AC Milan on Sunday, El Toro failed to impress at the Metropolitano Stadium last night.

Furthermore, Cristian Chivu took his captain off in the 73rd minute, introducing Pio Esposito.

Chivu’s decision didn’t sit well with the 28-year-old striker, who cut a frustrated character after being subbed off.

However, the fact remains that Lautaro has failed to score in all five meetings against top teams this season.

Despite scoring four times in three Champions League outings this term, he still hasn’t found the net in a high-stakes showdown.

Nevertheless, he remains one of the most influential figures at San Siro.

Lautaro has been the leader of this team on and off the pitch, prompting Zanetti to leap to his defense.

Inter Milan Vice-President Defends Lautaro Martinez After Atletico Madrid Defeat

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – JUNE 21: Lautaro Martinez #10 of FC Internazionale Milano looks on during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group E match between FC Internazionale Milano and Urawa Red Diamonds at Lumen Field on June 21, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)

“I’m very happy he’s here,” Zanetti said. “When we chose him as a young player, one of his statements after scoring a hat-trick impressed me.

“He said he wasn’t happy with his performance.

“At 19 years of age, if you respond like that… that’s when I started to think he was a player with a great future.

“As a director, I thought about what he could give us in the long term, in 3–4 years.

“He has shown exactly what I believed he could give us; he has improved every year.

“He wears the captain’s armband, showing a great sense of belonging and transmitting Inter’s values.

“I know how much he cares, and I know how hard he has worked to become a reference point for Inter and also for the Argentina national team.

“We’re talking about one of the strongest and most complete strikers around.”

Javier Zanetti Heaps Praise on Pio Esposito

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – JUNE 25: Francesco Esposito #94 of FC Internazionale Milano celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with Lautaro Martinez #10 during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group E match between FC Internazionale Milano and CA River Plate at Lumen Field on June 25, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)

Despite only scoring twice this season, Francesco Pio Esposito has been one of the revelations in Serie A.

“He has a huge future ahead of him,” Zanetti insisted. “It’ll depend on his desire and how much he wants to remain at a certain level.

“He is a humble, intelligent guy; he listens and always wants to improve. He always trains at maximum intensity, and we are very happy with him.

“We hope he has a fantastic career. What I like most is that he makes every ball playable for you; he fights and is always available for the team.

“I like him, I like him a lot. Physically, he reminds me of Bobo Vieri, someone who used his body well.

“Another one who has hunger, like Pio Esposito, is Pellegrino from Parma – he goes beyond his limits.

“They are all promising youngsters who do Italian football well.”

Zanetti Admires Nico Paz

COMO, ITALY – JANUARY 20: Nico Paz of Como 1907 celebrates after scoring their team’s fourth goal during the Serie A match between Como 1907 and Udinese Calcio at Stadio G. Sinigaglia on January 20, 2025 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Finally, Zanetti reiterated his admiration for Como starlet Nico Paz.

“An extraordinary talent,” Zanetti was adamant. “Beyond that, I’m very friendly with his father because we were at the 1998 World Cup together.

“I’m very happy he’s doing so well at Como.

“Great credit to the club and to Fabregas for believing in him. Como plays well and promotes youngsters.

“Is he ready for Real? He’s finding his balance and working step by step. He’s a player for a big club.”