Dynamic duo Martinez, Thuram fire Inter four points clear

MILAN: Lautaro Martinez and Marcus Thuram shot Inter Milan four points clear at the top of Serie A with a goal each in Sunday´s 2-0 win at Lazio which continued their thrilling strike partnership.

Inter´s dynamic attacking duo made sure their team took full advantage of closest rivals Juventus only drawing at Genoa on Friday to put daylight between Simone Inzaghi´s side and the rest of the chasing pack.

The pair have scored 22 of Inter´s 39 Serie A goals this term as they gun to beat local rivals AC Milan -- nine points back in third after beating Monza 3-0 -- to 20 league titles. Argentina striker Martinez dedicated his goal to his hometown of Bahia Blanca, where a powerful storm caused the death of at least 13 people when the roof of a sports club collapsed.

“My city and family have been affected by the storm, I wanted to send a message,” said Martinez. Inzaghi has never won the Scudetto as a coach but his team have been by far Italy´s best over the 16 matches played so far and continued their charge against a team where the coach spent most of his playing career.

His attentions now turn to Monday´s draw for the Champions League last 16, where he predicted a rematch of last season´s final with Manchester City. Martinez sent Inter on their way five minutes before the break by netting his 17th goal of a remarkable season to date, pouncing on a dreadful Adam Marusic backpass before skipping around Lazio goalkeeper Ivan Provedel and prodding home.