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Inter Milan captain Lautaro Martinez will hope to repeat his heroics from eight years ago against River Plate at the Club World Cup.
Today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews, note the parallel for the Argentine striker.
In 2017, before joining Inter Milan, striker Lautaro Martinez made his name at Racing Club.
Martinez broke onto the scene early for Racing.
There were a number of matches in which Martinez really shone early in his career. But one of the most high profile came against River Plate.
Playing away to the Buenos Aires giants, Martinez showed no fear. He scored Racing’s opening goal in a memorable 3-2 win.
Lautaro Martinez Aims To Repeat River Plate Heroics At Club World Cup
That performance against River Plate came almost exactly eight years ago for Martinez – on the 18th of June, 2017.
Now, Lautaro Martinez finds himself in a much different situation.
Having been very much a breakout talent when he enjoyed that memorable win over River, now Martinez has fully established himself within the European game.
Martinez is Inter’s captain. He inherited the captain’s armband from Samir Handanovic two years ago.
And the Argentine has been Inter’s top scorer for four seasons running. He has started in two Champions League finals for the Nerazzurri, and won the Serie A title twice.
Therefore, Martinez has made good on the promise he showed the better part of a decade ago against River Plate.
Now, the 27-year-old will aim to prove that he can retain the same hunger against such iconic opposition from his home country at the Club World Cup.
Watch Inter Milan vs River Plate for FREE with DAZN on any device!
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Liverpool set to sell big-name forward to finance Alexander Isak deal
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Patriots stars react to HC Mike Vrabel getting bloodied while breaking up camp fight
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Steelers’ Coaching Staff Can't Hide The Fact Anymore That They Truly Feel They’ve Hit A Home Run With Their Rookie
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Commanders offense suffers in joint practice with Patriots
The Washington Commanders gave their coaching staff a glimpse of what could be if the front office's negotiations with star wide receiver Terry McLaurin result in a trade. It wasn't good. Per Nicki Jhabvala of The Athletic, McLaurin's absence crushed the Commanders' passing offense during their joint practice Wednesday with the New England Patriots. Not even newcomer Deebo Samuel could save the unit. "With Terry McLaurin and Noah Brown both out, the Commanders’ lack of receiving depth has been a glaring issue in recent practices, especially so on Wednesday," Jhabvala wrote. "Deebo Samuel, a versatile playmaker who can be a chess piece for offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, doesn’t (and shouldn’t) take on the workload expected of a leading wideout or even a No. 2. "And so far, none of the Commanders’ 10 other receivers has emerged as consistent playmakers or a reliable pass catcher capable of taking on more." Washington has to find a way to pay McLaurin soon. He's too critical to the offense and, more importantly, to the long-term development of second-year quarterback Jayden Daniels. McLaurin had his best career season in 2024, catching 82 passes for 1,096 yards and 13 touchdowns in Daniels' rookie season. He earned Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors for his efforts. The Commanders made aggressive moves like trading for Samuel in the offseason, not to be a No. 1 wide receiver, but to help take a team that overachieved in 2024 and get them past the Philadelphia Eagles, who knocked them out in the NFC Championship game. Washington needs McLaurin on the field to help free up its other weapons like Samuel and Austin Ekeler or last season may end up just being a fluke.
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