Lautaro Martinez should be contender for Ballon d’Or – Inter boss Simone Inzaghi

Inter Milan boss Simone Inzaghi believes red-hot Lautaro Martinez should be in contention for the Ballon d’Or.

The striker has scored 11 goals in nine Serie A games, including four in the 4-0 rout of Salernitana last month.

He also netted in Inter’s Champions League opener – a 1-1 draw at Real Sociedad – last month.

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Martinez is on course to beat the Serie A scoring record of 36 goals in a season, set by Gonzalo Higuain for Napoli in 2015-16 and Ciro Immobile for Inzaghi’s Lazio in 2019-20.

Ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League clash with RB Salzburg at the San Siro, Inzaghi feels his striker, who won the World Cup with Argentina last year, deserves recognition in the Ballon d’Or.

Inzaghi told a press conference: “Yes, given the journey he’s been on and the trophies he’s won, I think it’s only right that he’s among the candidates to win it and he needs to carry on working in the same way.

“What comes to mind is Ciro’s record, as he achieved it with me. Lauti only returned a day-and-a-half ago from South America, he is in great shape and the team gives him all the support he needs too.”

Inter, top of Serie A, are second in Group D behind Sociedad on goal difference.

“This is a delicate match because the entire group is very balanced. Every game is important and we’ll need to be highly focused,” said Inzaghi.

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“Heading into this game, we’re doing well. We won against Torino, which was no easy task. Tomorrow’s match will be important in a group that is very balanced.

“We need to stay focused because Salzburg are a tough side to face and won away to Benfica on the