Cristian Chivu insisted Inter have by no means doubted the capabilities of captain Lautaro Martinez after his brace earned the Nerazzurri a 2-0 win over Pisa on Sunday.
Inter had been put by means of their paces at Area Garibald and needed to wait till the 69th minute to open the scoring when Martinez drilled the ball previous Simone Scuffet.
The Argentine made positive of the factors seven minutes from time after turning dwelling Nicolo Barella’s teasing cross, sealing a consequence that bought their Scudetto cost again on observe.
Following Napoli’s 1-0 victory over fellow Serie A title hopefuls Roma later within the day, Chivu’s males at the moment are only a level behind rivals AC Milan, who at the moment occupy high spot.
And on the event of his 250th look within the top-flight, Martinez netted a number of objectives in Serie A for the primary time since a 3-2 win in opposition to Udinese in September 2024.
Martinez had come below hearth after scoring simply as soon as in his final six league video games coming into the match in opposition to Pisa, however he hit again at these critics, a lot to the delight of Chivu.
“We all know the significance of all our gamers, particularly our captain,” Chivu instructed DAZN Italia. “There may be folks exterior who doubt him, however we by no means have.
“It’s as a result of we all know how a lot he cares and the way a lot he brings to this crew.”
Pisa had been additionally the twenty ninth completely different opponent that Martinez has scored in Serie A. Since his debut season within the division in 2018-19, no participant has scored at the least one aim in opposition to as many various opponents within the competitors.
— Inter (@Inter) November 30, 2025
Martinez delivered a captain’s efficiency at an important time for Inter, who had suffered back-to-back defeats in all competitions in opposition to Milan and Atletico Madrid.
Criticism of Martinez was maybe unfounded, particularly on condition that for the reason that begin of 2025, solely 5 gamers have registered extra aim contributions than the Inter captain (15–12 objectives, three assists) in Serie A.
Chivu did, nevertheless, reveal that the 28-year-old was struggling with sickness after the Inter boss was questioned about withdrawing him early from their defeat to Atletico within the Champions League on Wednesday.
“A coach should take care of many issues, and if he listens an excessive amount of to what’s mentioned exterior, he would possibly lose his readability,” Chivu added.
“When Lautaro is doubted within the media, it’s blown out of proportion attempting to make headlines.
“We all know what he’s doing and what he means to this crew. He places his coronary heart and soul into this facet, as do all of the gamers.”
And whereas Chivu has made a powerful begin in his first full marketing campaign with Inter, many have recommended that his place is below risk after failing to register constant outcomes.
Inter are handed a 36.3% probability of reclaiming their Serie A crown, the best likelihood handed out by the Opta supercomputer, although Chivu mentioned he was not specializing in the skin noise.
“I do know who I’m and what I can convey to this crew. I put in effort and fervour for this work, for an essential membership like Inter,” Chivu mentioned.
“I’ve finished one thing good for this membership over time, and being their coach honours me.
“I’m conscious of the duty in direction of a membership that believes in me and in direction of the followers who’ve such ardour. And in direction of these marvellous lads, who do every little thing to honour the Nerazzurri colors.”
