Ex-Inter star compares Inzaghi to Ancelotti, identifies ‘decisive weapon’ against Barcelona | OneFootball

Former Inter and Milan striker Aldo Serena was impressed by the ‘personality’ Lautaro Martinez has shown throughout the current season, particularly in the two-legged Champions League tie against Bayern Munich, where the Nerazzurri captain truly proved himself as the team’s ‘leader’.

The Argentine forward stepped up by scoring one goal in each of the two quarter-final matches, with his contribution proving crucial in securing Simone Inzaghi’s side their second Champions League semifinal in three seasons.

MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 16: Lautaro Martinez of FC Internazionale celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Quarter Final Second Leg match between FC Internazionale Milano and FC Bayern München at San Siro on April 16, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

As a former striker himself, Serena highlighted that what makes Lautaro special is the relentless effort he puts in during every game, noting that he ‘never hides from a battle’.

Former Inter striker calls Lautaro ‘a leader’, sees Inzaghi at ‘top Premier League club’

“The point of reference for Inter Milan over these two legs against Bayern in the quarter final, was without a doubt Lautaro Martinez,” Serena told SempreInter.com in an exclusive interview.

“Not just for the two goals scored, one scored in each of the two games. I also scored against Bayern in a European cup game but it wasn’t enough for us to go through.

“After a difficult autumn, conditioned by the fact that he never rested in the summer, even cutting his holidays short, he came out of all that with personality. Without protesting.

“Since the start of 2025 he has been in noticeable form. Scoring one goal after another. Now with the Captain’s armband, one can see that he is the leader of the team.

“He is a leader that makes his presence felt with facts: with goals, creating plays, by sacrificing himself. He never hides from a battle.”

MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 16: Leroy Sane of Bayern Munich (C) controls the ball under pressure from Marcus Thuram and Nicolo Barella of FC Internazionale during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Quarter Final Second Leg match between FC Internazionale Milano and FC Bayern München at San Siro on April 16, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

After praising Lautaro Martinez, Serena shifted his focus to the captain’s attacking partner, Marcus Thuram, suggesting that his characteristics could make him particularly dangerous for Barcelona, given their style of play.

“With regards to the Barcelona game, I think Inter will have their chances,” the former Nerazzurri forward said.

“Barcelona is a team that plays with a very high defensive line that crushes you, and causes you problems in the defensive phase.

“However, they are lacking somewhat from a defensive perspective. They concede a lot of space in areas where your attackers can hurt them.

“From this perspective, Marcus Thuram’s growth this season is fundamentally important. Given his speed, he could be a decisive weapon for Inter.”

Speaking of Simone Inzaghi, Serena compared him to Carlo Ancelotti for his mastery of knowing ‘how to coach champions’, and hypothesised a ‘top Premier League’ club where he could fit well.

“I rate Simone Inzaghi very highly,” Serena continued.

“First of all as a person, for what he says, for the way he defends his players, for the powerful way he handles criticism and crises.”

“He has an important self-control which is a consequence of his internal power and force. He really is a big club manager, where there are many great champions.

“His ability to communicate, knowing when to speak whilst holding strongly on to fundamental principles, as well as speaking to every single player in a different way, is fundamentally important.

MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 16: Simone Inzaghi, Head Coach of FC Internazionale, gives instructions during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Quarter Final Second Leg match between FC Internazionale Milano and FC Bayern München at San Siro on April 16, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

“You have to understand the needs of the team and of the individual. Inzaghi is part of the category of coaches like Carlo Ancelotti, who knows how to coach champions.

“Manchester City have financial muscles to satisfy every desire of whoever their coach is. Arsenal are right now in a Champions League semifinal and are dreaming of a unique accomplishment.

“Hypothetically speaking, I would go for a top Premier League side that has struggled recently.

“I think of Manchester United, but recently a manager arrived there who probably will stay for a quite a bit of time.”