Captain Lautaro Martinez More Important Than Ever Ushering In Crisitan Chivu Era At Inter Milan
Captain Lautaro Martinez More Important Than Ever Ushering In Crisitan Chivu Era At Inter Milan
Nerazzurri captain Lautaro Martinez has found himself more important than ever in ushering in the Cristian Chivu era at Inter Milan.
Today's print edition of Rome-based newspaper Corriere dello Sport, via FCInterNews, note how the 27-year-old has helped the new coach get his message across, and acted as a mentor to young players.
Advertisement
Lautaro Martinez is a player whose centrality to the Inter project has increased year on year.
The Argentine joined the Nerazzurri in the summer of 2018. And he has now played under four different coaches at the club.
Martinez was just finding his feet at Inter when Luciano Spalletti was coach. Then, it was Antonio Conte who put his faith in Martinez and made him a regular starter.
Meanwhile, Martinez's form only continued to improve under Simone Inzaghi.
Beyond his goals, holdup play, and defensive effort, Martinez also became a leader in the squad, on and off the pitch, as more experienced players departed around him.
Advertisement
Therefore, it was not any great surprise when Martinez inherited the captain's armband from Samir Handanovic in 2023.
Lautaro Martinez More Important Than Ever Ushering In Cristian Chivu Era At Inter
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – JUNE 21: Lautaro Martinez #10 of FC Internazionale Milano celebrates after scoring his team's first goal during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group E match between FC Internazionale Milano and Urawa Red Diamonds at Lumen Field on June 21, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by)
Perhaps there could have been some doubts about whether Martinez would maintain the same status with a change in coach.
But the 27-year-old has quickly answered those kinds of questions.
Martinez has started all three of Inter's matches at the Club World Cup. He has been arguably the team's most consistent performer, and scored two big goals.
Meanwhile, behind the scenes, Martinez has had a bigger role to play than ever.
Advertisement
Naturally, there is an atmosphere and change, if not upheaval, at Inter.
Therefore, Lautaro Martinez is the player the new coach Chivu has turned to to learn the dynamics of the Nerazzurri squad.
The coach and captain have worked together closely to make sure that Chivu is able to get his message across.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
40 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Dana White Makes Massive Announcements About Jon Jones Retiring and Tom Aspinall's Promotion to Undisputed Heavyweight Champion
Dana White Makes Massive Announcements About Jon Jones Retiring and Tom Aspinall's Promotion to Undisputed Heavyweight Champion originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Jones, widely regarded as one of the greatest fighters of all time, has been involved in a prolonged standoff for the past year with UFC heavyweight interim champion Tom Aspinall. While Jones remained noncommittal, Aspinall was forced to defend his interim belt and sit out instead of fighting a unification bout. In a shocking turn of events, however, UFC CEO Dana White dropped a bombshell announcement that closes one of the most significant chapters in UFC history while ushering in a new era. Advertisement During the UFC Baku post-fight press conference, UFC CEO Dana White revealed that Jon Jones has officially retired. With Jones' retirement now official, White also announced that Tom Aspinall has been crowned the undisputed UFC heavyweight champion. Dana White UFC(Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images) White told the press, 'Jon Jones called us last night and retired. Jon Jones has officially retired. Tom Aspinall is the heavyweight champion of the UFC.' The announcement came after months of speculation regarding Jones' future, with the UFC heavyweight champion repeatedly hinting at walking away from the sport. White was asked whether or not he regrets spending precious time trying to book Aspinall vs. Jones, to which he responded, 'If you look at what [Jones] has accomplished in the sport, no... I obviously feel bad for Tom that he lost all that time and money, but we'll make it up to him.' Advertisement The British star, who held the interim title for nearly 600 days (the longest interim championship reign in UFC history), finally secures the undisputed status he has been working towards. Aspinall had grown increasingly vocal about the division's stagnation, declaring earlier this month that Jones had retired. With Jones retiring, one of the most storied and controversial careers in MMA history now comes to an end. His departure from the UFC marks the end of an era, leaving Aspinall to lead the heavyweight division and bring excitement to the promotion. The division itself, meanwhile, can finally move forward, after having been stuck in limbo since Jones's last title defense against Stipe Miocic in November 2024. With Jones's saga officially over, the UFC now turns its attention to booking Aspinall's first title defense, with an announcement expected soon. Advertisement Related: UFC Fans Blast Jon Jones After Reality Show With Nate Diaz Announced 'Just Strip Him Already' Related: Heavyweight Drama: Jones vs. Ngannou 'Biggest Fight in UFC History' This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 21, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
42 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Saints legend says club must start 'afresh' in Championship
Southampton Football Club legend Matt Le Tissier said the club went into last season 'underprepared' before the team were relegated to the Championship in last place. The Saints hero was speaking at MotoFest 2025 in Eastleigh on Saturday afternoon when he was asked about the club's fortunes last season and if they'll bounce back to the Premier League by winning promotion in the next 12 months. Advertisement Asked whether fans should ignore the club's record low top division points tally of 12 points, 'Le God' said: 'We have to talk about last season because it happened, we can't just ignore it. READ MORE: Southampton legend backs Lallana to 'become an excellent coach' Matt Le Tissier speaking at MotoFest 2025 (Image: Newsquest) 'It was a tough season, I thought we went into it underprepared with the squad that we had. 'I feel like the last few years the recruitment side of things hasn't been to the standard we were used to for the years before that. 'I think that's why we ended up in the position that we ended up in. Hopefully we can start afresh for this season and not have too much of a hangover from last year and go and compete and try and get back in the Premier League. 'If we do that, we have to make sure we're better prepared for next time.' Le Tissier was also joined at MotoFest 2025 by fellow ex-Saints forward James Beattie.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Vinicius rallying as Mbappe eyes Real Madrid return
Real Madrid's Brazilian forward Vinicius Junior impressed in the win over Salzburg that helped Los Blancos top Group H (FRANCK FIFE) One of the factors behind Real Madrid finishing the season without a major trophy was key attacker Vinicius Junior's drastic dip in form. From competing for the Ballon d'Or as Los Blancos won the Champions League and La Liga in the 2023-24 campaign, the Brazilian played well within himself as Madrid ended Carlo Ancelotti's reign second best to Catalan rivals Barcelona. Advertisement New coach Xabi Alonso was delighted to see the Brazilian winger shine brightly as Real Madrid set up Tuesday's Club World Cup last-16 clash against Juventus. If the 24-year-old is at his devastating best, along with Kylian Mbappe's impending return following a stomach bug, Madrid have the firepower they need to win the competition. Vinicius struck and created a goal for Fede Valverde with a backheel assist in the 3-0 win over Salzburg which helped Madrid seal top spot in Group H and avoid Manchester City, who have been the strongest side thus far in the United States. "I'm very happy because Vini, like any forward, needed that goal," said Alonso. Advertisement Vinicius is in a contract tussle with Real Madrid over a new deal, with the Brazilian currently on the books until 2027. "I hope I can stay here for many years. I've always said it's the club of my life," said Vinicius earlier this week. "I'm very happy with the coach and all the staff, and I hope I can stay here." Madrid need the forward to click with last summer's marquee arrival Mbappe, without sacrificing the team's defensive stability. Los Blancos face Juventus in Orlando hoping to reach the quarter-finals and may be boosted by the return of superstar striker Mbappe, who could link up with Vinicius for the first time under Alonso. Advertisement Mbappe missed all three group games and also had to go to hospital after suffering acute gastroenteritis, but has been training normally for several days. The Spanish coach believes the duo can play together, even though they had teething problems after the French forward arrived, occupying similar spaces. Mbappe eventually found top form and finished the season with 43 goals across all competitions, while Vinicius netted 22 times without getting close to his very best level. "They can do it, Vini from the outside, Kylian from the inside... it's not mutually exclusive, things can work, there's individual quality, but we need the team to function," explained Alonso. Advertisement - 'Sacrifices' - Alonso has explained that no player in the Real Madrid starting line-up is free of defensive duties. Last season Ancelotti lined up regularly with Vinicius, Mbappe, Jude Bellingham and Rodrygo Goes in the side and Madrid paid the price at the back. "What I am certain of is that we need and want everyone to defend -- the 11 players on the pitch have to be involved defensively," said Alonso before the Salzburg game. The coach was impressed with Vinicius' work ethic against the Austrians. "Aside from the goals, I was also really happy with the work he put in," added Alonso. Advertisement "He helped to defend, he made sacrifices, he stayed connected with the team, didn't switch off, and that's very important to me." Alonso will hope Vinicius continues in that vein as Mbappe prepares to make his return, possibly from the bench against Juventus. Even though the Alonso era is just beginning, the Juve clash and potential quarter-final tie against Borussia Dortmund or Monterrey will be an early test for how the coach can handle utilising both star names together. rbs/mw
