AC Milan Vs Inter Milan - Statistic Gives Nerazzurri Reason To Worry Without Argentina Megastar

Inter Milan and Lautaro Martinez will again be absent from Sunday’s Milan derby, and a striking statistic from Transfermarkt underlines just how significant that loss is ahead of the biggest game of the season.

The Argentina captain leads Europe’s top five leagues for match-winning goals this season, having scored nine that have directly decided results, via L’Interista.

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Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe sit behind him on eight, a reminder that Lautaro is not just Inter’s top scorer, but the most decisive individual in European football when it comes to winning games.

Milan Vs Inter – Lautaro Absence A Blow As Argentine Proves Doubters Wrong

UDINE, ITALY – JANUARY 17: Lautaro Martinez of FC Internazionale during the pre-match warm up at the Serie A match between Udinese Calcio and FC Internazionale at Stadio Friuli on January 17, 2026 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)

The criticism that he does not perform in big matches simply does not hold up.

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His record across high-stakes fixtures tells a different story, and Cristian Chivu will feel his absence most acutely in a derby where margins are tight and one moment of quality often settles the tie.

The task falls to Pio Esposito and Marcus Thuram.

Both have contributed this season, but replacing a player of Lautaro’s calibre, in terms of goals, leadership and sheer winning mentality, is a significant ask.

It is the one area of genuine concern for Inter heading into a match that could all but seal the Scudetto.

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