Chivu: ‘Inter need everyone, Lautaro Martinez a pleasure to watch’ | OneFootball

Cristian Chivu explains the importance of squad rotation as Inter make nine changes for the trip to Sassuolo, noting Lautaro Martinez is ‘a pleasure to watch for those who love football.’

It kicks off at the Mapei Stadium in Reggio-Emilia at 17.00 GMT (18.00 CET).

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from today’s four Serie A games on the Liveblog.

The Nerazzurri are threatening to run away with the Scudetto race, winning 10 of the last 11 matches in the league and drawing the other.

They are also preparing for the Champions League play-offs against Bodo/Glimt, and on Wednesday beat Torino 2-1 in the Coppa Italia quarter-final.

Chivu using all the Inter resources

MILAN, ITALY – JANUARY 14: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of FC Internazionale Milano, looks on prior to the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and US Lecce at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on January 14, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

“We need concentration, the right attitude, understanding the approach we need and winning the individual duels,” Chivu told Sky Sport Italia.

It is always a tricky test against Sassuolo, who have been revitalised by the return of club icon Domenico Berardi, winning back-to-back games.

“Sassuolo caused a lot of problems for Inter over the years, and this season are doing very well, especially for a newly-promoted side.”

In a packed schedule, Inter have seen squad rotation be their greatest strength, including first starts for youth team products Matteo Cocchi and Issiaka Kamate midweek.

There are nine changes to the starting XI this evening from that Coppa Italia tie.

MONZA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 04: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of FC Internazionale Milano, gestures during the Coppa Italia Quarter-Final match between FC Internazionale and Torino at U-Power Stadium on February 04, 2026 in Monza, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

“What matters is that we have a full squad that is ready to step up and contribute to the common cause,” explained Chivu.

“It is a long season, we know that we need consistency and ambition, because we are Inter, a team that made history and plays at the highest level, domestically and internationally.”

MILAN, ITALY – JANUARY 04: Lautaro Martinez of FC Internazionale Milano celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Bologna FC 1909 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on January 04, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Lautaro Martinez has 170 goals in 366 games for Inter, so is just one shy of matching Roberto Boninsegna as the third all-time top scorer for this club.

As someone who sees him every day in training, what stands out about the Argentina international?

“His hunger, that desire to be decisive and to win, to always be himself and work constantly to keep improving. He has so many great qualities shared by the great strikers, he is a pleasure to watch for those who love football,” replied Chivu.