Lautaro Martinez and Zielinski shine as Inter seeks to overcome Bologna hurdle
MILAN, ITALY – JANUARY 04: Lautaro Martinez of FC Internazionale Milano celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Bologna FC 1909 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on January 04, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images) Lautaro Martinez and Piotr Zielinski acknowledged the significance of Inter’s strategy to conquer their Bologna challenge with a 3-1 win. ‘My hand hurts, but I leave the stadium content tonight.’ The Nerazzurri achieved a fifth straight Serie A triumph to maintain their position at the top, yet they were also keen to make a statement against Bologna. They had previously experienced defeat in a penalty shoot-out against this team only weeks ago in the Supercoppa Italiana semi-final, which had concluded 1-1 on that evening. Last season’s loss at the Stadio Dall’Ara was another critical episode in the Scudetto competition, but Piotr Zielinski, Lautaro Martinez, and Marcus Thuram ensured the 3-1 result this evening, even as Santiago Castro netted a late consolation goal. Inter had faced difficulties against Bologna recently. MILAN, ITALY – JANUARY 04: Piotr Zielinski of FC Internazionale Milano celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Bologna FC 1909 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on January 04, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images) “I mentioned prior to the match that we had set up a strategy, and it proved effective, as we began with an intense press after losing possession, which created significant challenges for Bologna. Our midfielders also supported on the second ball, leading to opportunities for our goals,” Lautaro Martinez shared with DAZN Italia. Lautaro Martinez has now netted six goals in his previous five Serie A matches, though the night did not commence favorably as his fingers were accidentally stepped on early in the game. “These are three crucial points for the squad. My hand aches, but I push through it and give my all for the team, so I leave home satisfied tonight.” Lautaro Martinez also celebrated alongside Thuram after that peculiar goal, where the Frenchman scored using his chest, seemingly unsure of what was unfolding. “We had our final sprint following that goal, I’m happy for him, he deserves it. Everyone puts in hard work for the team, and we all want to take Inter as far as we can.” MILAN, ITALY – JANUARY 04: Lautaro Martinez of FC Internazionale Milano celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Bologna FC 1909 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on January 04, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images) Zielinski netted his second goal of the Serie A campaign, the third across all competitions, and is steadily becoming a fixture in the starting lineup under Cristian Chivu. “I’ve been in good form for a while; I’m pleased that I can assist the team,” Zielinski stated to DAZN Italia. “Everything went well except for the late goal; we mostly had it controlled, which was essential since we had previously faced problems with Bologna.”
Published: 2026-01-04 22:18:00
source: football-italia.net
