Cannavaro Hails Lautaro Martinez as Serie A’s Most Valuable Player
Italy’s legendary defender Fabio Cannavaro has recently made headlines with his bold statement regarding Inter Milan forward Lautaro Martinez, whom he considers the only Serie A player capable of thriving at the world’s top clubs like Real Madrid or Manchester City. In an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport, Cannavaro discussed the current state of Italian football, lamenting that Serie A struggles to retain its top talents, and praised Lautaro’s ability to lead, score, and deliver consistently for both club and country.
Lautaro Martinez: Serie A’s Shining Star
For years, Serie A has been known for producing world-class footballers, yet its prominence has dwindled compared to leagues like the Premier League or La Liga. Despite this, Martinez stands out as the exception, proving that top-tier talent can still be found in Italy. Cannavaro, one of Italy’s most revered football icons, sees Lautaro as a player capable of making the leap to elite clubs like Real Madrid or Manchester City.
“You can’t question Lautaro’s inclusion on the Ballon d’Or list,” Cannavaro said, referencing the Argentine striker’s recent nomination for football’s top individual award. “He’s won the Scudetto and Copa America, and he never lets you down. He’s always hungry for more, whether it’s scoring goals or sacrificing himself for the team.”
Lautaro’s versatility, leadership, and hunger for success make him the standout figure in Serie A, and his recent extension as Inter Milan’s captain only solidifies his place as the face of the league. However, Cannavaro worries that he could be one of the few remaining top-tier players in Italy capable of attracting attention from Europe’s most prestigious clubs.
Serie A’s Struggle to Retain Top Talent
Cannavaro’s praise for Lautaro also highlights a broader issue within Serie A: its difficulty in retaining world-class players. Over the past decade, the league has seen many of its best players move to the Premier League, La Liga, or other top leagues, where higher wages and stronger competition are often too tempting to refuse.
Once considered one of the best leagues in the world during the 1990s and early 2000s, Serie A has fallen behind its rivals in terms of financial power and global appeal. Although the league has shown signs of recovery in recent years, clubs still struggle to hold onto their star players.
In this context, Lautaro Martinez’s presence in Serie A is even more significant. Cannavaro believes that Lautaro has the quality to compete at the highest levels in European football, stating, “When I think of Serie A players who could play for Manchester City or Real Madrid, he’s the only one.”
The Argentine striker has consistently proven his worth on the biggest stages. From his performances in the UEFA Champions League to leading Argentina’s attack alongside Lionel Messi in international competitions, Lautaro has established himself as a world-class forward. His ability to score crucial goals and lead his team with a relentless work ethic makes him a rare commodity in modern football.
Cannavaro’s Take on the 2024 Ballon d’Or Contenders
Beyond discussing Lautaro, Cannavaro also shared his thoughts on the upcoming Ballon d’Or race. As a former Ballon d’Or winner himself, Cannavaro understands the weight of the award and what it takes to be recognized as the best player in the world. While he acknowledged Lautaro’s Ballon d’Or nomination, Cannavaro’s favorites for the award were Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr. and Jude Bellingham.
“Vinicius has been exceptional, and Bellingham had a tremendous start to the season, though his second half wasn’t quite at the same level,” Cannavaro remarked. The former defender praised both players for their performances in critical moments, with Vinicius leading Real Madrid’s attack and Bellingham becoming a key player for both Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid.
However, Cannavaro also mentioned the challenge defenders face in winning the Ballon d’Or, noting that it requires something extraordinary for a defender to be considered. Having won the award in 2006, Cannavaro remains the last defender to achieve such a feat.
“There’s also Rodri and Carvajal to consider, but for a defender to win, they need to do something exceptional. That’s the reality of the Ballon d’Or,” Cannavaro added. Both Rodri and Carvajal have had exceptional seasons, but the odds are stacked against defenders in the race for football’s most prestigious individual award.
Lautaro’s Future at Inter Milan: Will Serie A Keep Its Star?
With Lautaro Martinez cementing his status as the top player in Serie A, the question remains: How long will he stay at Inter Milan? Cannavaro’s comments highlight the concern that Serie A clubs, including Inter, may struggle to keep hold of their star players as bigger clubs from abroad come calling.
Lautaro has been linked with several top clubs over the years, including Real Madrid, Manchester City, and Barcelona. His skillset and versatility make him an ideal fit for any top team in Europe. However, with his recent contract extension and role as Inter’s captain, the Nerazzurri have done everything in their power to keep him at the club.
Still, the allure of playing for one of the world’s biggest clubs could be tempting for him n the future. As Serie A continues to rebuild its reputation, keeping players like Lautaro will be crucial to its success. Cannavaro hopes that Inter and the league can hold onto him for as long as possible.
The Legacy of Lautaro Martinez in Serie A
Whether Lautaro Martinez stays in Serie A for the long term or eventually moves to a European giant, his legacy as one of the league’s brightest stars is already cemented. At just 27 years old, Lautaro has already achieved great success, from winning domestic titles with Inter Milan to helping Argentina lift international trophies.
For Cannavaro, Lautaro represents the future of Italian football and one of the few players who can compete at the highest levels. His leadership, determination, and goal-scoring ability make him a valuable asset for any team. As the only Serie A player Cannavaro believes is fit to play for the likes of Real Madrid and Manchester City, Lautaro’s journey is far from over.
Conclusion: Lautaro Martinez, Serie A’s Last Global Star?
Fabio Cannavaro’s endorsement of Lautaro Martinez as Serie A’s most valuable player is a testament to the Argentine’s skill and importance. In a league that has struggled to retain its top talent, Lautaro’s presence is a beacon of hope for the future of Italian football.
However, the question remains: How long can Serie A keep hold of its star player? As Lautaro continues to shine, the world’s biggest clubs are sure to take notice. Whether he stays at Inter Milan or eventually moves to Real Madrid or Manchester City, Lautaro Martinez has already earned his place among the elite, and his journey is only just beginning.
