Former Inter striker Giampaolo Pazzini has tipped new signing Joaquin Correa to hit double figures this season following an eye-catching start. During an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport, the 37-year-old explained how the Argentine could go from strength to strength in his new surroundings.
Correa joined Inter from Lazio on a season-long loan with an obligation to buy, with the forward’s three-year contract set to activate next summer. The 27-year-old painted his Nerazzurri debut with flying colors, notching up a late brace to ensure a 3-1 win away to Hellas Verona as a second-half substitute on the second day of the season.
Despite his dazzling three-year stint at the Stadio Olimpico, a lack of end product was often a point of discussion. Correa managed a slightly disappointing haul of eight goals and four assists from 28 Serie A outings in 2020/21. However, that’s mainly due to him playing a supporting role to Ciro Immobile.
Things are likely to change for Correa at the Giuseppe Meazza following Romelu Lukaku’s departure for Chelsea. Edin Dzeko is now the only out-and-out striker at Simone Inzaghi’s disposal, with the Argentine and his compatriot Lautaro Martinez covering the second-striker role.
Though he is a prolific marksman, the Bosnian boasts impressive playmaking skills, coupled with his ability to create spaces for his teammates and present them with plenty of scoring opportunities.
You don’t have to look beyond Henrikh Mkhitaryan to realize that Dzeko helps his attacking comrades maximize their output. Playing alongside the veteran striker and Martinez could benefit Correa’s quest for his first double-digit Serie A campaign. At least, that’s what Pazzini is inclined to believe.
“Correa and Lautaro have characteristics that complete each other. Inzaghi sees Correa as a playmaker and Lautaro as the second striker. Together they can play well,” the Italian told Gazzetta dello Sport.
“Correa has found what he was missing, and that is the goal. He can go into double figures.“
Currently away on international duty with Argentina, Correa was on the scoresheet twice as the reigning Copa America champions claimed a 3-1 win away to Venezuela in a World Cup qualifier. Like it was the case on his Inter debut, the quicksilver forward came on as a second-half substitute and managed to score a quick-fire double to catapult his side to another landslide victory.