Inter’s latest comeback against Roma left Cristian Chivu with a point, 13 in the standings and a familiar concern. Lautaro Martinez again carried the response, but the captain’s own words made clear that the recovery cannot hide an unacceptable opening half.
The decision
Chivu and his staff are examining a recurring problem in Inter’s first 15 minutes. Too often, the team have begun matches without sufficient sharpness, conceding goals that would appear unlikely later in the game. The issue is not one of quality, but of readiness and attitude.
The other key period has been the interval. Inter have repeatedly found a way to revive after half-time, continuing a habit that had already developed last season. Against Roma, however, the turnaround depended heavily on Lautaro.
The Argentine scored twice to prevent defeat, taking his tally to five goals in his last five meetings with the Giallorossi. His other two league goals this season came against Napoli and delivered an Inter victory. In total, his four Serie A goals have been worth four points to the side — almost a third of Inter’s current 13-point total.
“We need to act, not react,” is Chivu’s principle, and Lautaro has become its clearest embodiment. When Inter can supply him properly, he can change the direction of a match. In the first half against Roma, though, the service into him was too limited.
Paulo Dybala appeared to understand the danger after Manu Koné had put Roma ahead. The Argentine forward signalled to his teammates to stay calm, palms lowered, aware that an early lead was unlikely to settle matters against this Inter side.
Inter have conceded seven goals across their last three league games and have fallen two goals behind in each of them. Yet on every occasion they have recovered from the worst moment. Lautaro has been the face of that resistance: intense, combative and eventually smiling after another rescue act.
He was not entirely satisfied afterwards. “The first half must be erased,” Lautaro said. “We did not enter the pitch and our attitude was not right.” He added that the team changed its mentality immediately after the restart, but accepted that losing a half in a match of that level makes victory much harder.
“We could not get the three points,” he said, while recognising Roma’s current level. On Inter’s slow starts, he was equally direct: the team prepare for matches, but must review how they begin them. “It is difficult always to be chasing.”
Marcus Thuram summed up his partner’s impact simply, saying that “Lauti saved us again.” Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperini also acknowledged the quality of the Inter captain after embracing him at full-time. He described Lautaro as a champion respected by everyone, even if he continues to cause opponents disappointment, adding that he had asked him to stop scoring against his teams.
