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ANALYTICAL: CHIVU'S PLAYER-FIRST APPROACH REVIVES LAUTARO MARTINEZ'S FORM

Lautaro Martínez laughed off feud rumours, saying coach Cristian Chivu gives him "too many hugs." He praised Chivu's freedom and higher-press tactics despite Inter's big-game struggles.

Analytical: Chivu's Player-First Approach Revives Lautaro Martinez's Form
Lautaro Defends Chivu

Lautaro Martinez says he really needed a coach like Cristian Chivu at Inter and jokes that he gets more hugs from him than from his wife.

After being subbed early in losses to AC Milan and Atletico Madrid last week, the media tried to say there might be some tension behind the scenes.

The striker responded to the criticism by scoring two goals in a much-needed win against Pisa, saying he has a great relationship with his coach.

Lautaro Martinez jokes about Chivu's habit.

It's great; we talk every day, and he always gives us hugs, maybe too many, Lautaro Martinez joked on Sky Sport Italia at the Gran Gala del Calcio awards ceremony.

I get more hugs from him than from my wife, but that's just how he is. It's nice because he knows what it's like to be a player in the locker room, and he gets it all.

We needed a coach like him because he gives us freedom and confidence and tells us to put all our skills on the field. I am happy with how his time at Inter has started.

The group comes first, which is the most important thing to find new energy and try to win trophies. We're not all friends, but we still have a good relationship.

Inter has to try to go all the way in every competition.

This team played under Simone Inzaghi for years, winning the Scudetto and reaching two Champions League Finals, so how is Chivu different?

They are alike in that they both want us to play good football, Lautaro Martinez explained.

With Cristian, we press higher and try to get the ball back right away. We are trying to get better at it every day, and it has helped us a lot this season.

Still, they have already lost four times between Serie A and the Champions League and are struggling in the big games.

We talk to each other about everything and try to work on the small things. We usually play well, but we need to have that mental switch during the game. We have to change with the situation.

ROMA LOAN CUT SHORT: GASPERINI SAYS EVAN FERGUSON NEEDS TO IMPROVE "TECHNICALLY AND PERSONALLY."

Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperini clarified he doesn't dislike Evan Ferguson but issued a clear demand: the striker must "up his game, not just technically, but also as a person."

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Gasperini Puts Pressure on Evan Ferguson Before Celtic Europa League Clash.

Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperini has told Evan Ferguson he needs to improve.

Gasperini clarified that he doesn't dislike the striker, who is on loan.

There have been reports that Roma might want to end their season-long deal with Albion for the Republic of Ireland international, as he hasn't made a big splash in Italy yet.

Gasperini hasn't said he wants to cut the loan short. Most sources suggest it's possible, but only if Albion agrees.

Gazzetta Dello Sport even ran a headline this week suggesting Roma had already decided.

Many fans and media jumped on this, especially since Albion striker Stefanos Tzimas just suffered a knee injury that will sideline him for months.

Gasperini has supported Ferguson, who has been dealing with his own injury.

However, he seemed to lay down the law before the Europa League game against Celtic.

At a recent press conference, the Roma boss said he had no antipathy toward Ferguson, but he seemed to imply that he wants Ferguson to step up his game.

Gasperini told reporters, “There's no dislike for the players; it's about their performances.

“Ferguson has had many chances. Do we want to be patient with him? Yes, we do.

“He needs to up his game, not just technically, but also as a person.”

While Ferguson hasn't been at his peak, he also hasn't gotten great support when he's been on the field in Serie A or the Europa League.

Gasperini seemed to acknowledge this before the Parkhead game.

He said, “We haven't scored much all year, so it's probably a structural issue for us, even though we've played well at times.

“In these last two games, we haven't been creating as many dangerous chances.

“This isn't about individual players; it's a team problem.

SUPER-SUB CHRISTIAN PULISIC BAGS TWO; MILAN'S 3-2 THRILLER KEEPS TOP SPOT

A 29-meter strike from Rabiot and a Pulisic brace secured a season-defining 3-2 victory for AC Milan, demonstrating determination in the title race.

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Pulisic's Brace Fuels AC Milan's Stunning Comeback Win.

After recovering from a fever, Christian Pulisic scored twice in AC Milan’s 3-2 victory at Torino. Adrien Rabiot chipped in, describing his own fantastic goal.

The USMNT star wasn’t even supposed to play. He had a high temperature the night before and only joined his teammates a few hours before the game.

Coming off the bench, he scored twice, helping turn a 2-0 deficit into a 3-2 win against Torino. Rabiot added a goal from 29 meters out.

I was really sick two days ago, but I felt better today. “I’m just glad I could be here and help the team,” Pulisic told Sky Sport Italia.

I didn’t know if I could play. I felt better this morning. I’m happier about the win than my goals.

Pulisic has played less compared to past seasons because of injuries, but has scored seven goals in nine Serie A games.

It’s been a weird season, and I want to get more playing time. We’ll focus on each game and see where we stand at the end of the season.

Milan's win means they're still at the top of the table with Napoli, one point ahead of Inter, a good response to their Coppa Italia exit to Lazio.

We started badly, but we improved halfway through the first half. We knew we had to play better in the second half and be more determined. We picked up the tempo, and Christian’s substitution helped, Rabiot told Sky Sport Italia.

These are the games that can turn a season around. It shows we’re determined and focused. We need to start stronger because we can’t always expect to come back from 2-0 down.

Rabiot's goal was amazing, maybe the best of his career, and seemed to come out of nowhere.

We needed a spark, and sometimes you have to try something different. We made errors, but the important thing was our attitude and how we turned it around. Everyone who came off the bench played well, said the France international.

We’ll see what happens, but with this attitude, we can go far.

Rafael Leao left the game in the first half with a possible adductor injury in his right leg.

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