Inter Milan midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan has highlighted the leadership of captain Lautaro Martinez.

Inter are regarded as champions-elect in Italy.

And Mkhitaryan says Lautaro has been a “driving force”, stating: “Even without the armband he’s a driving force, he’s scoring a lot and he’s fundamental for this Inter.

“It’s not a question of whether he has the armband or not, he’s a leader anyway.

“(Nicolo) Barella doesn’t have the captain’s armband but he does things that leave you speechless. We are twenty-five captains.”

He added: “Apart from the fact that the group is incredible and we are very good, the important thing is that we get along very well with each other. On the pitch we understand each other with a look, we immediately know what our teammate wants and where the ball will go. This is our strength.”