Chivu the right man to lead Inter to Coppa Italia glory, says Martinez

Inter captain Lautaro Martinez believes Cristian Chivu is the right man to lead the Nerazzurri to silverware this season despite an indifferent start to his tenure. 

Chivu was appointed as Simone Inzaghi's successor in June and led Inter to the round of 16 at the Club World Cup before being beaten by Fluminense 2-0. 

The 45-year-old has since taken charge of 22 matches across all competitions, winning 15 of those (D1 L6), though his team have struggled for consistency in 2025-26. 

Inter are third in Serie A but just a point adrift of leaders and rivals AC Milan, while they find themselves fourth in the 36-team standings in the Champions League so far. 

"We talk between ourselves about everything and try to work on the details," Martinez told Sky Sport Italia of Inter's defeats this term, most notably in big games. 

"The performances are usually good, it's just that within the game we must have that mental switch. We've got to adapt to the circumstances."

Inter are still the favourites to win the Scudetto this season, with the Opta supercomputer handing them a 38.9% chance of the title, a higher win probability than any other team.

But this week, their attention will turn to the Coppa Italia, with Venezia the visitors to San Siro on Wednesday. 

Inter have won the tournament nine times, a total only bettered by Juventus (15), with their last Coppa Italia success coming in 2023 when they beat Fiorentina in the final. 

Chivu's men come into this clash with confidence, having beaten Pisa 2-0 on Sunday, with Martinez marking his 250th Serie A appearance with a second-half brace. 

Reports in Italy had suggested that there had been a clash between Martinez and Chivu, with the Argentine substituted early against Milan and Atletico Madrid. 

Martinez, however, was quick to put those rumours to bed, saying: "It's great, we talk every day, he always gives us hugs, maybe even too many. 

"I get more hugs from him than from my wife! It's pleasing, because he experienced what it was like to be a player in that dressing room, he understands all of it.

"We need a coach like him, as he gives us freedom, confidence, tells us that we've got to put our quality onto the pitch. I am happy with the way his adventure at Inter has started.

"The group is first and foremost, which is the most important thing to find fresh energy and try to win trophies. We are not all friends, but there is still a good rapport.

"Inter must try to go all the way in every tournament."

Most of Inter's current crop of players worked under Inzaghi, who won Serie A and reached two Champions League finals during his tenure. 

"They are similar coaches, in that they both want us to play good football," Martinez added when asked to compare Inzaghi and Chivu. 

"With Cristian, we press higher, try to recover the ball straight away. It is something we are trying to improve every day, it has given us many benefits so far this season."