Inter Milan’s Scoring Dilemma: Thuram Shines While Lautaro Struggles

Inter Milan finds itself in an interesting predicament as the team approaches a critical stretch of the season. While new signing Marcus Thuram is enjoying a prolific run of form, captain Lautaro Martinez is experiencing an uncharacteristic goal drought. This imbalance in attacking output could pose challenges for the Nerazzurri as they prepare to navigate a congested fixture list in the coming months.

Thuram has been a revelation since joining Inter, scoring an impressive 12 goals in just 16 Serie A appearances. His performances have helped mask the fact that Martinez, typically Inter’s most reliable goalscorer, has now gone four consecutive league matches without finding the back of the net.

While Inter has managed to maintain their strong position in the league thanks to Thuram’s contributions, relying heavily on a single striker could prove risky as the team enters a crucial period. Starting in January, Inter faces a packed schedule including the Supercoppa Italiana, key Serie A fixtures, and the resumption of Champions League play.

The team’s depth will be tested, with manager Simone Inzaghi likely needing to rotate his squad to keep players fresh. This is where having multiple in-form attacking options becomes crucial. Last season at this stage, Martinez had already notched 15 Serie A goals, playing a pivotal role in Inter’s title challenge.

Inter’s other striking options, including Mehdi Taremi, Marko Arnautovic, and Joaquin Correa, have also struggled to make significant goalscoring contributions. This puts added pressure on Martinez to rediscover his scoring touch quickly.

February looks particularly challenging, with high-stakes matches against rivals AC Milan, Fiorentina, and Juventus all scheduled within a two-week span. These fixtures, along with a Coppa Italia tie against Lazio, could prove decisive in Inter’s pursuit of multiple trophies this season.

For Inter to maintain their competitive edge across all competitions, they’ll need more than just Thuram firing on all cylinders. The return to form of Lautaro Martinez will be especially crucial as the team aims to convert their strong start into a successful campaign on multiple fronts.