Inter Milan Legend Heaps Praise On Argentina Megastar: “He Represents Inter & Deserves To Make History” | OneFootball

Inter icon Sandro Mazzola waxed lyrical about Nerazzurri captain Lautaro Martinez ahead of tonight’s Milan derby. 

Speaking to La Repubblica via FCInterNews, Mazzola also hailed the new Inter boss, Cristian Chivu.

Lautaro Martinez has become a symbol of the Nerazzurri.

Signed from Racing Club in 2018, El Toro has evolved from a raw talent into one of the most complete strikers in world football.

Indeed, he is Inter’s top goalscorer in the Champions League and has recently secured his place among the club’s top five scorers of all time.

That’s not to mention that he has won two Serie A titles with the Nerazzurri under two different managers.

it’s also worth noting that he captained the San Siro giants in two Champions League finals over the past three years.

Furthermore, the 28-year-old’s loyalty to this shirt has been unparalleled, making him one of the fan favorites at San Siro.

In addition to his massive goal contributions, Lautaro’s personality and work rate have turned him into the face of this Inter side.

Sandro Mazzola Praises Inter Milan Captain Lautaro Martinez

MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 30: Lautaro Martinez of FC Internazionale celebrates after scoring their team’s first goal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD2 match between FC Internazionale Milano and SK Slavia Praha at Stadio San Siro on September 30, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

“His selflessness, his desire to fight for every ball, always being on the front line, and above all, his goal-scoring instinct,” Mazzola said about El Toro.

“And from what I’ve seen on the training pitches at Pinetina, he always wants to improve. That’s the secret to staying at the top.”

Asked whether he would’ve enjoyed playing alongside Lautaro, Mazzola replied: “Of course.

“He would battle with the defenders, and I’d attack the space, a bit like Thuram does – in whom I see a bit of myself.

“His return from injury is good news for Inter.”

Mazzola also commented on tonight’s Derby della Madonnina.

“Derbies are always games without rules,” he added. “Mental approach and the desire to make your fans happy will make the difference.”

However, he refused to make predictions.

“God forbid, I’m far too superstitious,” he claimed.

Finally, he delivered his verdict on Chivu’s early tenure at Giuseppe Meazza.

“Very well. And I was sure it would go this way. He’s a very intelligent man and he understands football.

“Emerging managers are the ones who stay updated, who live their profession 24 hours a day.

“That’s a big advantage in a football world where some people are still stuck with ideas from ten years ago.”