Lautaro Martinez took his impressive tally for the 2023/24 Serie A season to 16 as Inter squeaked past Hellas Verona 2-1 on Saturday. Simone Inzaghi’s men have temporarily extended their lead on second-placed Juventus to five points, but the visitors gave them a run for their money.
Martinez found a breakthrough in the 13th minute with a fabulous finish and added another one at the start of the second half. However, VAR cut his celebration short for an offside position in the build-up play. Inter netted a stoppage-time winner through Davide Frattesi but had to thank Thomas Henry for picking up three points.
The Frenchman hit the post from a 100th-minute penalty, handing Inter a massive relief. Fresh off being crowned winter champions, the leading candidates to win the Scudetto this season can now turn their attention to tying Martinez down to a new long-term contract.
Negotiations are underway, with both parties keen to get a deal over the line. Martinez is willing to pledge his long-term allegiance to Inter. He confirmed his ambition to pen a new contract during the post-match interview.
“I’m thinking about the pitch, what I have to do. The prosecutor and the family take care of the rest,” the Inter talisman said, as quoted by Gianluca Di Marzio. “We will certainly find an agreement these days, it is not long, but I don’t know the timing. I don’t know if it will be tomorrow or after the Super Cup.“
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