Inter's Lautaro Martinez Gets Head Start on Milan Derby Prep with Early Return

3 hours ago7 min read1 comments

In a significant boost for Inter Milan's Serie A title ambitions, striker Lautaro Martinez is set for an accelerated return from international duty. While the break typically sees key players return late, 'El Toro' is scheduled back at the club's Appiano Gentile training base by this weekend, with his first session planned for Tuesday afternoon.This early homecoming is a direct result of the Argentine national team playing its sole friendly, against Angola, this past Friday. The fixture was not without its complications, as logistical and medical requirements for entering Angola led to several withdrawals from Lionel Scaloni's squad.Despite the disruptions, Martinez honored his commitment and featured in the match. For Inter manager Cristian Chivu, this schedule is a tactical gift.Martinez will be given Monday to rest and recover, but his presence days ahead of most teammates provides a crucial head start in preparing for the final, demanding stretch of the league season. This extra preparation time is invaluable for a player of Martinez's caliber, whose non-penalty expected goals (xG) and pressing efficiency are central to Inter's attacking system.His early integration allows for finer tuning of his partnerships with key creators like Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Nicolò Barella. In the high-stakes context of the upcoming Derby della Madonnina against AC Milan, this small logistical advantage could prove decisive. It affords Inter's coaching staff additional time to drill tactics and build cohesion, turning a routine international break into a potential strategic edge in the title race.

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