Sabatini Backs Lautaro's Influence as Inter Face Decisive Como Test
Walter Sabatini, the veteran Italian football executive, has highlighted Lautaro Martinez's pivotal role in Inter's Serie A title charge, describing the striker as "the prophet of the Nerazzurri" in a wide-ranging interview. Sabatini's comments come with Inter holding a significant lead at the top of the table, though he warned the job is not yet finished ahead of a crucial fixture against Como this Sunday.
According to Sabatini, the upcoming match pits Inter's coach, Cristian Chivu, against his Como counterpart, Cesc Fabregas, in a tactical duel that could define the championship. He praised Chivu for confirming his quality this season after a successful rescue act with Parma last year. The executive reserved significant acclaim for Fabregas, noting how the Spaniard has Como playing a bold, provocative, and technically adventurous style of football that has made them a formidable opponent.
Sabatini identified the trip to Como as the most difficult of Inter's seven remaining fixtures, stating the result could determine the league's outcome. He stressed that while statistics and arithmetic point to a clear conclusion for Inter, who have a commanding lead, the matches must still be played, referencing the historic 1998-99 season where Lazio lost a seven-point advantage with seven games left.
The discussion turned to the Italian national team's recent struggles and the criticism faced by Inter players like Alessandro Bastoni following the defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina. Sabatini defended the Inter contingent, arguing they are performing well and that their club form should not be overshadowed by a single penalty shootout loss. He expressed his displeasure at the whistles directed at Bastoni, highlighting the defender's mental strength and the supportive ovation he received from fans at San Siro.
Sabatini also analyzed the broader issues facing the Azzurri, suggesting the team often approaches critical matches in a precarious state, burdened by pressure, unlike opponents who play with freedom. When asked about potential structural reforms, he floated the idea of a sporting director for the national team to create a more permanent, day-to-day squad model, moving away from a last-minute representative selection. He did not dismiss Antonio Conte's self-nomination for the head coach role, calling it an act of courage rather than arrogance.
Ultimately, Sabatini's analysis underscores the high stakes for Inter as they enter the final stretch, with Lautaro Martinez's presence framed as a key factor in navigating the pressure. The executive's belief in the quality within Serie A, including promising talents in the second division, offers a note of optimism for the future of Italian football amidst a period of national team reflection.
