Chivu’s squad selection for the Cagliari showdown
Romanian manager Inter Milan coach Cristian Chivu has handed in his eleven for the trip to Sardinia, and the sheet reads like a mix of recovery, rotation and a few calculated risks. The biggest headline is the return of captain Lautaro Martinez, who finally shook off a nagging back problem that kept him out of the Champions League win over Ajax and limited him to a brief cameo against Sassuolo. Martinez slides straight into the striker’s role beside Marcus Thuram, restoring the two‑man punch that has often proved lethal in the Italian league.
In goal, Chivu continues the early‑season experiment by starting Spanish shot‑stopper Josep Martinez. The young keeper made his debut start against Sassuolo and impressed enough to keep the gloves for the Unipol Domus clash, while veteran Yann Sommer stays on the bench for the time being. The decision underlines Chivu’s desire to keep the goal‑keeping unit fresh while still rewarding performance.
Defensively, the back three is back to its preferred shape: Alessandro Bastoni returns after a brief rest, partnering Manuel Akanji and Francesco Acerbi. Bastoni’s composure on the ball and Akanji’s athleticism blend nicely with Acerbi’s experience, giving the team a solid platform against Cagliari’s forward thrusts. The trio also offers tactical flexibility, allowing Chivu to shift to a back four if the game demands extra cover.
The midfield remains unchanged, with the veteran trio of Nicolò Barella, Hakan Calhanoglu and Henrikh Mkhitaryan earning the starting spots. Their blend of energy, creativity and game‑management is seen as essential for a match that could swing either way. Summer signing Petar Sucic, despite flashes of quality, sits on the bench, as Chivu opts for the reliability of seasoned heads in a high‑pressure environment.
On the left flank, Denzel Dumfries is omitted due to a minor fitness niggle. In his place, Brazilian winger Luis Henrique makes his first start since joining from Marseille. Henrique’s pace and ability to cut inside give Chivu a fresh attacking outlet, and his inclusion signals confidence in the depth he has built during the transfer window.
Implications and tactical outlook
Chivu’s lineup reflects a clear philosophy: keep the core squad intact while rotating around the edges to manage fatigue. By bringing Martinez and Bastoni back, he ensures that the team’s most influential players are on the pitch, a move likely intended to sustain the momentum generated by the recent 2‑1 win over Sassuolo.
Cagliari arrive in good form, having beaten Lecce and comfortably dispatched Frosinone in the Coppa Italia. Their confidence at home could pose a threat, especially on set‑pieces and quick transitions. Inter’s defensive trio, however, is equipped to handle aerial duels and rapid counter‑attacks, while the midfield’s control should limit Cagliari’s supply to their forwards.
The attacking partnership of Martinez and Thuram, combined with Henrique’s wing play, offers multiple avenues to break down a compact Cagliari back line. Martinez’s movement off the ball, paired with Thuram’s strength, can create space for Henrique to exploit the left side. If the Brazilian can link up with the midfield, Inter may unlock the Sardinian side before they settle into rhythm.
Goalkeeper continuity is another subtle advantage. Josep Martinez’s confidence after a solid start against Sassuolo should translate into composure under pressure, especially if Cagliari looks to test the young keeper with long balls or set‑piece situations.
Overall, Chivu appears to be balancing short‑term performance with long‑term squad health. The mix of returning stars, rotational keepers, and fresh faces like Henrique demonstrates a manager willing to adapt his tactics without disrupting the team’s foundational structure. As the season unfolds, this approach could prove vital in navigating the congested Serie A schedule while keeping the Nerazzurri in contention for both the league title and European qualification.
