Ex Inter Milan Goalkeeper Slams Cristian Chivu For Risking Argentina Megastar Vs Juventus: “An Experienced Coach Would’ve Rested Him” | OneFootball

Emiliano Viviano believes that Cristian Chivu made a mistake by playing Lautaro Martinez in Inter’s Serie A showdown against Juventus on Saturday.

During the podcast Cose Scomode via FCInterNews, the former goalkeeper questioned Chivu’s managerial credentials.

Despite lacking match fitness, Lautaro Martinez started against Juventus last weekend.

However, back pain became unbearable midway through the second half, forcing Cristian Chivu to replace him.

Though his leadership was significant, El Toro couldn’t contribute much in terms of attacking threat.

Indeed, it was a largely frustrating night for the 28-year-old, who didn’t have a clear sight of goal once.

Furthermore, an exhausting fixture in Turin could take its toll, with Lautaro unlikely to start tonight.

Inter will lock horns with Ajax in their opening Champions League game this evening.

Yet, the Argentine center-forward may have to stay on the bench, with Francesco Pio Esposito expected to replace him.

Meanwhile, Viviano thinks Chivu could’ve avoided this scenario by resting his standout striker over the weekend.

Emiliano Viviano Blasts Cristian Chivu over Risking Lautaro Martinez vs Juventus

MONZA, ITALY – AUGUST 12: FC Internazionale coach Cristian Chivu looks on before the Pre-season Friendly match between AC Monza and FC Internazionale at U-Power Stadium on August 12, 2025 in Monza, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Inter sporting director Piero Ausilio reportedly had an agreement with Roberto De Zerbi to take over in the summer.

However, Beppe Marotta pulled the plug on the deal, opting for Chivu instead.

“I speak to De Zerbi twice a day,” Viviano stated. “And I didn’t know he had an agreement with Ausilio…

“I know about Ausilio’s regard for De Zerbi. But I also know that De Zerbi wouldn’t sign with this squad.

“When these cycles are created, you either continue looking for a coach who will carry forward a certain idea, or you overhaul everything.

“To overhaul, you need the courage to make some difficult decisions.

“You can also do it, starting from different objectives if you declare them.

“But today, he has players like Barella, Lautaro, and Dimarco, to whom I give the benefit of the doubt.

“An experienced coach would have left Lautaro out on Saturday.

“It takes guts for decisions like that. He was wandering on the pitch.

“Barella is struggling with sharpness, and Dimarco was out. But the thing to question is the defensive phase.”

Then, he spoke about Yann Sommer, who had an awful night in Turin.

“With all due respect to Sommer, who is a great goalkeeper, there’s at least four categories between him and Donnarumma, at least in goal.

“That said, against Udinese, Sommer is covered – Atta doesn’t give you time.

“Adzic’s chance was very easy, and indeed Sommer had it in his hands; it’s not about whether he pushed or not.

“The ball came perfectly, he had the advantage, but it slipped. Against Juve, it was a negative factor.

“Yildiz’s shot is harder, but a goalkeeper of that level would save it.”

Marcus Thuram & Ademola Lookman

MILAN, ITALY – AUGUST 25: Marcus Thuram of Internazionale celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Torino FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on August 25, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Marcus Thuram came under fire for his unprofessional behavior during Inter’s defeat at Juventus.

Indeed, cameras caught him laughing with his brother Khephren during the VAR review of Juve’s winning goal.

“I think it was unwise because we know very well that there are moments when you can be exploited,” Viviano said.

“It’s not serious, but it’s like Milan’s cooling break last year with Theo and Leao. If you’re top of the table, nobody talks about it.”

Finally, he delivered his verdict on Inter’s failed attempt to sign Ademola Lookman in the summer.

“He’s Atalanta’s best player thanks to Atalanta and Gasperini.

“As a former player, I always try to side with them, but when they behave like this, they go against the players.

“You’re under contract with Atalanta. If Atalanta wants 50, they ask for 50.

“I wasn’t exactly strict about the rules, but I would never have allowed myself to do something like that, out of respect for my teammates.”