Inter Milan Legend ‘Surprised’ By Decision To Drop Argentina Megastar For Supercoppa Clash With Bologna | OneFootball

Marco Materazzi admitted he was surprised by Inter Milan’s decision to leave Lautaro Martinez out of the starting XI for the Supercoppa Italiana semi-final against Bologna, but insisted the Nerazzurri still possess the attacking quality needed to reach the final.

Speaking to Sport Mediaset just minutes before kick-off in Riyadh, the former Inter defender was candid about his expectations.

“Did I expect Lautaro to be left out? No,” Materazzi said.

“Because you have to win if you want to reach the final.”

Despite that initial reaction, the World Cup winner was quick to underline the depth available to Cristian Chivu in the forward department.

“There are still four very strong forwards,” he added. “They’re absolutely at the level of a starting eleven.”

Bologna Vs Inter – Materazzi Surprised At Lautaro Absence But Backs Nerazzurri Growth

MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 30: Lautaro Martinez of FC Internazionale celebrates after scoring their team’s first goal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD2 match between FC Internazionale Milano and SK Slavia Praha at Stadio San Siro on September 30, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Materazzi’s comments reflect confidence in Inter’s attacking options, even without their captain.

Furthermore, it suggests an understanding of the rotation policy adopted in a demanding period of the season.

Beyond the immediate tactical call, Materazzi was also asked to assess the broader trajectory of the team compared to last season.

His answer struck an optimistic tone, pointing to resilience as a defining trait of the club. “Inter are top of the table now,” he noted. “And after every fall, there’s always a rise. That’s the thing that gives hope for the future.”

Those words echo a familiar narrative around Inter’s recent history: moments of difficulty followed by strong responses. Under Chivu, the Supercoppa represents an early opportunity to turn consistency into silverware, even as the coach balances workloads and manages expectations.