Inter Milan continues to assert its dominance on the Serie A stage, having recently secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Genoa. This win, which took place on February 22, 2025, not only provides three valuable points but also marks the Serie A debut of goalkeeper Josep Martinez, adding to the excitement surrounding the match.
The atmosphere at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris was tension-filled, with both teams knowing the significance of the encounter. Inter, needing to push for the top position, faced off against Genoa, who had previously held their own against them, including drawing twice in recent encounters. But this time, focusing on disciplined play and set-piece execution, Inter came through with the victory.
Josep Martinez, who had recently transferred from Genoa, expressed his emotions following the match: "You always have to be ready," he said, highlighting his preparedness to step up after first-choice keeper Yann Sommer suffered a thumb injury just before the match. Martinez's first appearance was not just about him; it was also against his former club, which added another layer of pressure. "It’s very emotional because this was the first start for me," he shared. "And then I was going up against my former teammates. But I tried to face this match in a normal way."
The match-winning moment came courtesy of Lautaro Martinez, who converted with a header from inside the box, demonstrating Inter's capability to capitalize on set pieces. Coach Simone Inzaghi praised his team’s grit, stating, "To win titles, to fight to the end, sometimes you need to take three points this way."
Inter's approach to the game did not go unnoticed. They initially faced pressure from Genoa early, who started off strong and pushed for control. "We approached the match well. Then in the first part of the first half, Genoa pressed higher," noted Coach Onzaghi. Yet, his faith proved prescient; adjustments were made, and as the match wore on, Inter found more space to exploit.
While the victory was significant, it also highlighted the depth and resilience of the Inter squad. With Sommer sidelined, the team looked to solidify their defense, and with Josep Martinez performing competently, they managed to keep a clean sheet. "This has been a very emotional week," Martinez reflected, illustrating the personal stakes involved. "I’ve been here for many months, training in preparation for this moment."
This match places Inter Milan firmly back on track as they continue to pursue Napoli at the top of Serie A. With each match, the pressure mounts, but with the team's recent performances, they seem ready to embrace it. "We have to keep going like this," said Coach Onzaghi, instilling confidence as they look toward the next challenge.
Fans of Inter Milan can rejoice not only over the win but also about the promising future. Josep Martinez's emergence as goalkeeper reflects the team's broader strategy to develop talent and manage injuries effectively within the squad. The next fixtures promise to be equally thrilling as Inter aims to build on this momentum.