Chivu Reconsiders Inter Rotation After Lautaro Impresses in Training

Inter Milan coach Cristian Chivu is reconsidering his planned lineup for the Serie A match against Parma at San Siro on October 10, 2026, after Lautaro Martinez returned from international duty with Argentina and impressed during training. According to fcinter1908.it, the striker's physical condition and energy have prompted Chivu to reconsider resting key players following the international break.

The decision could affect Inter's attacking partnership, with Martinez potentially rejoining Marcus Thuram in the familiar combination known as ThuLa. The report said Chivu had initially considered rotating players who had accumulated significant playing time and travel during the international period, but his latest observations at the club's Appiano Gentile training ground influenced those plans.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the coach was particularly impressed by Martinez's condition after the Argentina captain completed a full training session. The newspaper described how the forward appeared unaffected by a 13-hour flight and three international matches in which he started for his country.

"In his personal derby against former AC Milan player Gilardino, the Inter coach had considered resting those most worn out by international friendlies and travel, especially in attack, but the Serie A matchday was approaching again and the Nerazzurri squad had returned to Appiano. Chivu was therefore able to make further assessments in person yesterday and set aside the rotation he had been considering. Seeing Lautaro's contagious energy up close was enough.

The 13-hour flight and three matches started for Argentina had not taken a toll on the captain's body or mind; if anything, wearing the sacred Albiceleste shirt had intensified his emotions. Martinez needed to wear it again after the disappointment of being left on the bench for the previous World Cup final, an experience he is unlikely to forget anytime soon. The religious celebration for Messi also played its part.

After completing a proper full training session, the Argentine gave his coach reason to consider pairing him with Thuram again in the usual ThuLa partnership, the best way to keep the team alert against the visitors from Emilia-Romagna." La Gazzetta dello Sport, as quoted by fcinter1908.it.

However, Inter's selection decisions remain complicated by injuries. Goal.com reported that Curtis Jones had suffered a myofascial strain in the adductor muscles of his right thigh during training at Appiano Gentile. The former Liverpool midfielder was expected to miss approximately three weeks of competition, affecting Inter's options for upcoming domestic and Champions League fixtures.

Goal.com also listed Djed Spence, Hakan Calhanoglu, John Stones and Federico Dimarco among Inter's unavailable players. Its projected lineup included Josep Martinez in goal, with Yann Bisseck, Manuel Akanji and Alessandro Bastoni in defense, although the report's midfield and attacking selections remained subject to change before kickoff.

Inter entered the match after going unbeaten in their previous four Serie A games, according to Goal.com. Their latest league appearance before the international break ended in a 2-2 draw against Roma on September 19, with Martinez scoring twice in the second half after Inter fell two goals behind.

Parma, meanwhile, arrived in Milan under Alberto Gilardino, who took charge after the club parted ways with Carlos Cuesta at the end of September. Goal.com reported that Parma's only victory in their previous five matches was a 2-1 win over Genoa on September 20, leaving the team seeking greater consistency under its new coach.

The meeting also presented a significant historical challenge for Parma. According to Goal.com, Inter had won four of the teams' previous five encounters, with the remaining match ending in a draw. Their most recent meeting, on May 3, 2026, finished 2-0 in Inter's favor at the Giuseppe Meazza.