Inter striker Lautaro Martinez extends a strong scoring streak in Serie A, hitting the winner against Atalanta to take Cristian Chivu’s side back to the top of the table. Martinez now leads the league scoring chart with nine goals, one ahead of AC Milan forward Christian Pulisic, after Sunday’s 1-0 victory.
The result moves Inter one point clear of rivals AC Milan, restoring first place after Atalanta arrived in Milano in strong form. La Dea had taken six wins from seven league matches before this defeat, underlining the value of Inter’s narrow success against a direct European challenger.
Martinez finds the net in a fourth straight Serie A appearance, something not achieved by the Argentina international in the league since the autumn of 2021.
This stretch highlights a run of consistent finishing, following a period earlier in 2025 when fitness problems limited Martinez and affected performances.
Inter’s captain reflects on those physical issues and explains how the problems carried through a busy calendar. "I ended last season in a lot of pain with my flexor, I got badly hurt ahead of a very important game," Martinez explained to DAZN Italia. "I kept going even during the Club World Cup and international duty, I had a very short vacation, but we must keep going and trying to do better. "
Martinez’s nine goals in Serie A now place the forward at the top of the scoring standings. Pulisic remains close behind with eight strikes for Milan, maintaining pressure near the summit of the chart. The tight race adds further weight to Martinez’s output during Inter’s push to retain first position.
Atalanta’s recent record meant the fixture felt crucial for Inter’s title ambitions. Martinez underlined the quality of Gian Piero Gasperini’s players and the challenge presented by their aggressive, high-energy style. The forward believes preparation and discipline were decisive factors as Inter contained their opponents over ninety minutes.
Martinez detailed that view when speaking after the match. "It was a head-to-head because Atalanta are a strong side, who, in recent years, achieved so much in Serie A and Europe. They are a team to be respected, they were very aggressive, and we knew what we were going to face today, but we prepared well and have to keep improving. I’m happy, this is a gift for all the Inter fans. "
The captain’s words reflect a broader message inside the squad about constant improvement. Inter handle a demanding schedule with domestic and international commitments, and Martinez stresses that maintaining intensity is essential. The forward links personal form with collective standards, insisting that every match carries weight in the title race.
Our skipper pic.twitter.com/XZQg7ESHLCInter (@Inter_en) December 28, 2025
The decisive moment against Atalanta arrives midway through the second half, when substitute Pio Esposito plays Martinez through on goal. Esposito had just entered from the bench before providing the assist, showing sharp awareness and timing. Martinez finishes clinically, turning a tight tactical contest into three vital points.
After the match, Martinez singles out Esposito for praise and connects the youngster’s development with Italy’s future. "With lads like Esposito behind me, I need to raise the level to keep my place," said the Argentine. "I talk about Esposito all the time, he works hard, is eager to learn. We all made mistakes when we were his age, so we need to give him the opportunity to do the same without pressure, especially as he is Italian, and so important for the future of Italian football. "
Martinez’s remarks underline leadership on and off the pitch, as Inter blend established players with emerging talents. The striker’s goals, recovery from earlier injuries and mentorship of Esposito all feed into Inter’s season narrative, where the narrow win over Atalanta strengthens their Serie A position and maintains momentum into the coming fixtures.
