Inter Milan Vs Kairat Almaty – Cristian Chivu Sends Message To Argentina Megastar: “Needs To Lear To Smile A Little More” | OneFootball

Inter Milan manager Cristian Chivu has urged Lautaro Martinez to ‘smile more’ ahead of tomorrow’s clash against Kairat Almaty.

During a press conference via FCInterNews, the 45-year-old addressed El Toro’s recent dip in form.

Lautaro Martinez has gone four consecutive Serie A games without scoring since Inter’s 4-1 win over Cremonese in early October.

Furthermore, the 28-year-old has only scored three goals in the opening ten league games of the season.

However, he has been virtually unplayable in the Champions League.

Indeed, the Argentine megastar has scored three times in as many European matches this term.

Therefore, he is Inter’s top goalscorer at Europe’s top table.

Despite Lautaro’s scintillating continental form, he could start tomorrow’s game on the bench.

Instead, Cristian Chivu is considering pairing up Francesco Pio Esposito and Ange-Yoan Bonny in attack.

Meanwhile, the San Siro giants have welcomed star striker Marcus Thuram back from a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Cristian Chivu Sends Message to Lautaro Martinez Ahead of Inter Milan vs Kairat Almaty Clash

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – JUNE 30: Lautaro Martinez #10 of FC Internazionale Milano looks on prior to the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 round of 16 match between FC Internazionale Milano and Fluminense FC at Bank of America Stadium on June 30, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

“Tomorrow, all the forwards are available,” Chivu said. “I never think about resting someone for the next match.

“I take things one game at a time. All 22 players can be ‘starters,’ as you call them,” he added.

“However, for me, the 4–5 who come on later are just as important because they can change the momentum of the game, like in Verona, where the three substitutions brought extra energy.

“That doesn’t mean those on the pitch weren’t doing well, but at that moment, we needed to make certain choices to inject new energy.

“As for Lautaro, there’s no need to create any kind of case – for me, there is no issue. It’s enough to see how he works.

“If a striker doesn’t score, then the midfielders or defenders will.

“It seems to me that we’re the team scoring the most goals of all, even if some people bring up the ones we’ve conceded.

“Sometimes, I actually prefer winning 4–3 to winning 1–0.”

Chivu Delivers Verdict on De Vrij & Acerbi Game Time

MILAN, ITALY – AUGUST 25: Francesco Acerbi of Internazionale looks on during the warm up prior to 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)

“For me, theory doesn’t exist, only what happens on the pitch does,” Chivu replied when asked about the veteran’s limited playing time.

“I have six players, including Matteo Darmian and this gentleman to my left, who can also perform well in that role.

“Maybe if I put him as a central or right-sided defender, he might struggle a bit.

“However, for all the others, switching from the right to the center doesn’t change anything.

“Interpreting that three-man defense is simple because they’re all excellent players – great on the ball, tall, physically strong, and good in the air.

“Some are faster than others, and that influences my choices, but every decision I make is for the good of the team.”

“I spoke about him with your colleagues before the last match.

“For us, it’s important to integrate him into the group and stay close to him because he’s going through a very difficult time, one I wouldn’t wish to anyone.

“It’s a more delicate situation than some might think.

“I’m waiting for the results of the investigation, but it seems he’s not at fault.

“Still, a person has lost their life, and that will weigh on their conscience.

“It’s up to us to be there for him and support him, and up to him to understand that this is life.