Inter Milan forward Romelu Lukaku has issued a rallying cry to his teammates following the return of Serie A after a three-month hiatus.

Lukaku netted his 18th goal of the season in the Italian top flight as Inter secured a 2-1 win over Sampdoria in their first league game back, with Barcelona target Lautaro Martinez also on the scoresheet for Antonio Conte's side.

The result leaves Inter six points adrift of leaders Juventus after 26 matches, and Lukaku has called upon his teammates to play their heart out at this crucial stage of the campaign.

Speaking to Sky Sport Italia, the Belgian said: "It was very important to win, as from now to the end of the season it's 12 finals, they are all life or death. Now we have to focus and get fired up for Wednesday.

"Every game is tough from now and they will not be easy for anybody. We worked really well in training, the team is in good shape physically, but we have to keep going and get even stronger, because it's going to be a game every three days."

Conte's men will welcome Sassuolo to San Siro on Wednesday for their next fixture.