Inter cement Martinez’s place while still courting doubts

After a protracted pursuit, Spanish keeper Josep Martinez appears to have finally secured the No 1 spot at Inter, a claim underscored by the Monza clash that signalled a fresh hierarchy, with sporting director Cristian Chivu and the club pledging support after two seasons of apprenticeship and setbacks.

Inter choose trust over spending

According to Tuttosport, Inter also examined other options, notably Guglielmo Vicario, before opting to avoid a sizeable outlay and instead rely on the Spaniard signed from Genoa in the summer of 2024 for roughly €14 million. The decision reflects a willingness to nurture home‑grown confidence rather than chase a big‑ticket goalkeeper.

The club’s conviction grew from Martinez’s late‑season displays, especially in the Coppa Italia, and the technical progress recorded during training at Appiano Gentile. Those performances convinced the hierarchy that the player deserved a permanent role.

To ensure healthy competition, experienced Italian international Ivan Provedel arrived alongside Martinez, tasked with providing reliability and a benchmark for the newcomer.

Chivu stressed that hierarchy will not be rigidly imposed: “I talk about standards and that’s where we have to raise the level,” he said, indicating that merit will dictate future selections.

In the Monza encounter, Martinez was not directly responsible for the conceded goal, yet certain decisions in the build‑up from the back sparked unease among the San Siro crowd. Early murmurs hinted at lingering doubts despite the clean sheet.

Comparisons with fellow keepers Sommer and Onana are inevitable, particularly regarding their ability to play with the feet, a facet that will continue to be scrutinised.

Martinez faces scrutiny ahead of Cagliari

The next test arrives against Cagliari, where Martinez must transform the confidence bestowed upon him into an unequivocal endorsement. Success there could cement his status; any falter may reignite the questions first raised at Monza.