Chivu: 'Inter team to beat, no fear of losing Lautaro Martinez'
Quick summary
New Inter Milan head coach Cristian Chivu declared his side the team to beat in Serie A and played down concerns over captain Lautaro Martinez's future.
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Attributed to original sourceCristian Chivu and Inter are ‘aware we’re the team to beat’ in Serie A this season, welcomes Curtis Jones, and insists Lautaro Martinez will ‘stay for a long time’ despite Barcelona interest.
It kicks off at San Siro on Saturday at 17.30 UK time (18.30 CEST), beginning their title defence against newly-promoted Monza.
MILAN, ITALY – MAY 17: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of FC Internazionale Milano, poses for a photo with the Coppa Campioni d’Italia and Coppa Italia trophies following the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Hellas Verona FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 17, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images) This is only the second full season of Chivu’s senior coaching career, having won the domestic Double of Scudetto and Coppa Italia in the first.
“We start from scratch, albeit aware that we are the team to beat,” said Chivu in his press conference.
“Nobody will give us anything for free, so we’ll try to be competitive and chase our ambitions to a successful conclusion. In recent years, this team has shown it can stay at a certain level, so we need to maintain that standard, and add something more too.
“With determination, hunger, humility and the margin for improvement that we have, I think we can do great work.”
Chivu and Inter have no fear PERTH, AUSTRALIA – AUGUST 08: Cristian Chivu head coach of FC Internazionale looks on with Andy Diouf during the match between Juventus and FC Internazionale at Optus Stadium on August 08, 2026 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Janelle St Pierre/Getty Images) When asked who Inter ‘fear’ on the Italian and international stage, Chivu did not hesitate.
“Nobody. We all start from scratch, we cannot be satisfied with what we’ve achieved. We must find new motivation to keep growing. I don’t think that much has changed in a year. We weren’t finished then, we’re not guaranteed to dominate now. Every season has ups and downs, what matters is how you react.”
There are multiple stories in Spain, Argentina and Italy suggesting that Barcelona have made Lautaro Martinez their primary target after failing to bring in Julian Alvarez from Atletico Madrid.
“There are always stories at this time of year. We’re pleased they are talking about our players, because it means they’re recognised as some of the best in the world,” replied Chivu.
“Lautaro is our captain, he won the World Cup in 2022, was in the Final a few weeks ago. He’s a great player, we hold on tight because he represents what we have been and what we want to be in future.”
Are Chivu and Inter entirely sure that Lautaro Martinez won’t be tempted by Barcelona?
“I fear nothing. Lauti is the captain, there will probably be a lot of talk about him, but I think he’ll stay for a long time because he’s a player with which we want to build for the future.
“I also know the transfer market can be a bit of a b***ard, so the only response I can give is that I want him to stay.”
MILAN, ITALY – MAY 17: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of FC Internazionale Milano, looks on during the trophy presentation after the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Hellas Verona FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 17, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images) It has been a busy transfer window for Inter, including the departure of Denzel Dumfries, replaced eventually by Djed Spence from Tottenham Hotspur after several other deals fell through.
He is joined by fellow England internationals John Stones and Curtis Jones from the Premier League.
“Our duty is to improve and keep preparing for the future. I won’t deny that I spoke to Jones before he arrived, I’m pleased that he is here with us and that he brings certain characteristics we needed,” continued Chivu.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – AUGUST 2: Curtis Jones #17 of Liverpool dribble the ball during a friendly match against Leeds United at Soldier Field on August 2, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images) “This is also true for Spence and Stones. They are well aware of the importance of this club, the levels the team has reached in recent years. I am sure that we’ll be able to raise the bar even more with these new additions.
“It’s not right to compare Spence to Dumfries, but we chose him for his own characteristics. He too has margin for improvement and joins a squad that wants to dominate again.”
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What happened
Cristian Chivu, who has taken charge at Inter Milan, spoke confidently at his unveiling, insisting the Nerazzurri remain the team to beat in Serie A despite a turbulent offseason. He dismissed speculation linking captain Lautaro Martinez with a departure, stating he has no fear of losing the Argentine striker. Chivu's comments signal a strong, assertive stance as he begins his tenure, aiming to set the tone for a title-defending campaign.
Chance analysis
Chivu's opening remarks carry clear weight on two fronts. By publicly declaring Inter the team to beat, he sets an aggressive standard for a squad adjusting to a new voice in the dressing room. Equally significant, his reassurance over Lautaro Martinez — a player frequently courted by elite European clubs — sends a message to supporters and rivals alike that the Argentine captain remains central to Inter's project. Together, these statements frame a manager eager to project stability and ambition from day one.
Inter Milan's title prospects and attacking output are reinforced by Chivu's assertive leadership and Lautaro Martinez's confirmed presence.