Inter and Italy legend Altobelli: 'Lautaro and Dimarco among best in the world'
Quick summary
Former Inter and Italy striker Alessandro Altobelli praised Lautaro Martinez and Federico Dimarco, calling them among the best players in the world in their positions.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceInter legend Alessandro Altobelli believes the Nerazzurri can still reach the Champions League last eight despite their opening-day defeat to Real Madrid, while praising Lautaro Martinez and Federico Dimarco among the world’s best in their positions.
Inter lost 2-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu, with mistakes from Yann Bisseck and Josep Martinez proving costly despite Carlos Augusto pulling one back.
“Inter certainly deserved more. I like the way the team plays, but perhaps something needs to be reviewed on certain occasions,” Altobelli told Tuttosport .
The former Italy striker believes Inter’s attacking approach should not change, although he feels greater defensive attention is required in Europe.
“I actually like that Inter face their opponents openly, thinking more about attacking than defending even against certain types of rivals. Inter play football, they don’t go onto the pitch just to avoid conceding goals, although of course there is always room for improvement.”
Altobelli also criticised the risks involved in playing out from the back after Josep Martinez’s error against Real Madrid.
“Sometimes, speaking generally, I wonder what the point is. If you risk getting into difficulty, the best and right thing, as has always been done, is for the goalkeeper to clear the ball into the other area.”
MADRID, SPAIN – SEPTEMBER 08: Lautaro Martinez looks dejected during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on September 08, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images) Altobelli: ‘Inter will finish in the top eight’ Despite this, the club great remains confident of a strong Champions League campaign.
“For me, yes,” he said when asked if Inter will finish among the top eight. “You have to evaluate the performance and what the team can give in the future.”
Altobelli also reiterated his admiration for Lautaro .
“Yes, who is there in his position? Mbappe, Kane, him. There are three or four who are truly outstanding. I don’t compare him with anyone, but I would keep Lautaro very close.”
And he believes there should be no doubt over Dimarco’s future.
“I don’t think there is even half a problem with the renewal of one of the strongest left-backs in the world, as well as an Inter player.”
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What happened
Alessandro Altobelli, a legendary former Inter and Italy striker, gave his endorsement of two key current Inter players. He described captain Lautaro Martinez as one of the best strikers in the world and highlighted Federico Dimarco's quality at left-back, praising his technical ability and consistency. The comments come as Inter continue to compete at the top of Serie A and in European competition, with both players central to the team's ambitions.
Chance analysis
When a figure of Altobelli's stature publicly endorses Lautaro and Dimarco, it reinforces the broader consensus around Inter's spine. Lautaro remains the focal point of Inter's attack and the heartbeat of the squad as captain, while Dimarco has evolved into one of Europe's most reliable attacking full-backs. For Inter supporters, the validation from a club legend adds to the sense that the current project is built on genuinely world-class talent rather than mere form.
No direct impact on team performance; reinforces confidence around Inter's key players without altering availability or form.