Lautaro Martinez says Inter 'ready for great things' after reaching Europa League final

A brace for Argentine and strike partner Lukaku seals semi-final thrashing of Shakhtar Donetsk

Inter Milan coach Antonio Conte celebrates after the 5-0 Europa League semi-final triumph over Shakhtar Donetsk. Reuters

Shakhtar Donetsk's Andriy Pyatov looks on after Lautaro Martinez scored Inter Milan's first goal in their 5-0 Europa League semi-final triumph. Reuters

Inter Milan's Italian defender Danilo D'Ambrosio scores to make it 2-0. AFP

Danilo D'Ambrosio of Inter scores. EPA

Inter Milan's Romelu Lukaku celebrates scoring. Reuters

Inter Milan forward Lautaro Martinez celebrates scoring to make it 3-0. AFP

Inter Milan's Belgian forward Romelu Lukaku celebrates scoring his side's fourth goal. AFP

Romelu Lukaku of Inter celebrates scoring his side's fourth goal. EPA

Lukaku scores their fifth goal. AFP

Romelu Lukaku celebrates the fifth goal. AFP

Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez insists his team are on the verge of achieving "great things" after his two goals against Shakhtar Donetsk helped secure a place in the Europa League final.

The Argentina international got the ball rolling in a 5-0 thrashing with a fine header to take his season tally to 20 goals in all competitions, before adding a third in the second period to kill off any Shakhtar hopes of a comeback.

Two goals from Romelu Lukaku completed the most comprehensive of victories - the biggest margin of victory ever in a single Uefa Cup/Europa League semi-final game - to book Inter a clash with Sevilla in Cologne on Sunday.

"It was an incredible night, something we have been dreaming of," Martinez said. "We proved that Inter are ready for great things, we are ready for the final.

"I'm very happy with my goals because I have had a difficult period with goals. But mostly I'm happy for the team, we are growing day after day, a perfect mix of experienced players and youngsters."

Antonio Conte, who will be appearing in his first European final as a head coach, was similarly delighted.

"Many of our players are facing this kind of game for the first time in their careers," he said. "Sevilla have great experience, they have won this competition several times.

"But we are ready to try giving a great joy to our fans. They should be proud of these guys because they are giving everything."