Chivu Cagey On Selection Headache: ‘One Martinez will play’ in Inter Milan vs Sassuolo | OneFootball

Cristian Chivu praised Inter Milan captain Lautaro Martinez for his hard work and dedication but refused to give away too much ahead of Sunday’s match against Sassuolo.

Inter welcome the Neroverdi to San Siro tomorrow, as Fabio Grosso looks to guide his Sassuolo side to victory in Lombardy.

Speaking ahead of the game, Inter head coach Cristian Chivu gave his press conference, with quotes via FCInterNews.

Inter look to bounce back from successive defeats to Udinese and Inter in Serie A, after an impressive 5-0 opening game win against Torino.

The Nerazzurri find themselves in 11th place but with the most goals scored of any team in the league.

Inter Head Coach Chivu On Mentality & Maturity

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – JUNE 21: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of FC Internazionale Milano, looks on during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group E match between FC Internazionale Milano and Urawa Red Diamonds at Lumen Field on June 21, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)

Chivu opened the conference by talking a bit more about his side’s maturity and how important that aspect will be moving forward.

“Maturity combined with concreteness and with good play,” he said, “with understanding the right moments to achieve the objective.”

The Romanian was also asked where his team is at mentally and how he trains mental characteristics.

“Motivation and mentality are very important for me,” Chivu said.

“Especially in a group that needs our support, certainties and a Curva that encourages the team.”

“Those things provide motivation needed to perform at the highest level,” he continued.

“One can say champions should do it automatically but they’re human beings with problems, sensitivities and flaws.”

“We need to support them, stay close and convince them that motivation and mentality are fundamental.”

Inter Coach Chivu Cagey On Selection: ‘One Martinez Will Play’ Against Sassuolo

BARI, ITALY – AUGUST 16: Lautaro Martinez of Inter competes for the ball with of Olympiacos FC during Pre-Season Friendly match between FC Internazionale and Olympiacos FC at Stadio San Nicola on August 16, 2025 in Bari, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)

One reporter at the press conference had two questions for the coach, about whether or not Lautaro Martinez and Josep Martinez will feature in the match.

Lautaro is returning from a minor back issue that saw him miss Wednesday’s win against Ajax.

Meanwhile, debate continues to rage on as to whether or not Josep Martinez should be given the nod ahead of Yann Sommer in goal.

“Let’s make it one question, then if Gigi allows, you can ask the second,” the coach said, in response to the reporter.

“Lautaro trained today,” Chivu revealed, “and made himself available just as he did on Wednesday.”

“A captain must do this,” he continued, “understand the difficult moments. I’m pleased that he never tried to step back.”

Chivu then admitted “On Wednesday, he couldn’t even walk but made himself available,” he continued.

“And I am sure from the chat I had with him that he would have gone on the pitch if needed.”

Chivu added, “Then he did therapy for two days, today he felt better and now he’s available.”

The reporter then pressed for his second answer, about whether Josep Martinez would feature.

Chivu responded light-heartedly, “Since you’re playing games, I’ll play too. One Martinez will play…”

Chivu Talks Old Guard And Summer Signings

TURIN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 13: Hakan Calhanoglu of Internazionale celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and FC Internazionale at on September 13, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

After talking about the two Martinez’, Chivu was asked whether his ‘old-guard’ give him better solutions than the new arrivals.

“I don’t speak about old or new,” Chivu said, “meritocracy is the first criteria.”

“But not only for the starting eleven,” he continued, “they’re important but so are the substitutes because they change the rhythm of the match.”

“That happened in Turin when we turned it around, even if it ended the way it did. I also want to reward the team’s attitude, knowing that opportunities always come.”

Chivu continued, “There’s no obligation for those who start, if it’s a given we have problems because too much egoism creeps in and a lot of other things.”

“Sooner or later,” he added, “everyone will start to come off the bench, they know that and I always keep that in mind.

The Romanian then described talismanic midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu as “fundamental for us with the rhythm he brings on the pitch.”

However, he admitted “He was missing his rhythm, like Bisseck, Frattesi and all those who had problems in the summer and carried them for months.”

The coach spoke on Andy Diouf and Luis Henrique, who have hardly been give a chance since their arrival.

“We’ll see them too, the matches we’ve played so far haven’t allowed us to make certain changes,” Chivu said.

“I take responsibility for what happens, in those moments they weren’t what the team needed.”

“However, sooner or later it will be their turn.”

Chivu sees Diouf as “more of a mezzala” and admits “we tried Luis Henrique in that famous 3-4-2-1.

“He’s overcome that difficult moment and is now showing good signs. He’ll get the chance to show his qualities.”

Chivu Praises Inter Youngster Pio Esposito

BARI, ITALY – AUGUST 16: Francesco Pio Esposito of Inter during Pre-Season Friendly match. Between FC Internazionale and Olympiacos FC at Stadio San Nicola. On August 16, 2025 in Bari, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)

Chivu also clarified his position on young forward Francesco Pio Esposito.

“I need to leave some question marks, otherwise its too easy,” the coach said.

“Pio is doing well, he has a lot of quality and desire and he’s aware of where he is and what he needs to do.”

“I like how he approaches training,” Chivu continued, “but he does the same thing as Ange, Marcus and Lautaro. I’m pleased to have four players of this calibre, four valid options.”

Chivu concluded his press conference with some more kind words about Pio Esposito.

“He’s an exceptional boy, I’ve known him since he was 13 and he already understood a lot about football.

“Even though his physical development hadn’t started yet, it exploded later, mentally he was always there,” the coach continued.

“Now he has improved in understanding his own limits and how to overcome them, how to work and improve.

“I’ve always expressed my opinion but it was up to him to earn the right to stay at Inter.

“The Club World Cup helped him and he earned his place without me influencing it.”