Chivu’s calculated shuffling sets the tone
When Cristian Chivu walked onto the pitch in Sardinia, he wasn’t looking for a surprise blockbuster – he wanted balance. After gifting Josep Martinez a first‑team start against Sassuolo, Chivu slid the Swiss shot‑stopper Yann Sommer back into the net. The move wasn’t just about giving the veteran a breather; it was a clear signal that the coach is juggling his roster across Serie A, the Champions League and the domestic cup.
On the attacking side, Lautaro Martinez finally shook off the lingering back pain that kept him on the bench for the Ajax triumph. The Argentine’s return felt almost inevitable – his knack for finding the net against Cagliari is almost a tradition now. Chivu’s decision to trust Martinez with the central striker role underlined the belief that the team’s recent winning streak could survive the inevitable wear and tear of a packed calendar.
Defensively, the Dutch wing‑back Denzel Dumfries took a night off, opening the door for a head‑to‑head between seasoned Matteo Darmian and the freshly signed Luis Henrique. Henrique, who landed from Marseille in the summer, had yet to start a game for the Nerazzurri, and this match offered a perfect stage to showcase his energy and tactical awareness.
Match narrative and what it tells us about Inter’s depth
The game itself unfolded like a masterclass in squad management. Inter Milan started strong, with Martinez pouncing on a quick transition to slot the opener past the Cagliari keeper. His finish not only put the home side on the back foot but also reinforced his status as a reliable goal‑getter after months of rehab.
Midfield traffic was busy. Chivu fielded a trio of Nicolo Barella, Hakan Calhanoglu and Henrikh Mkhitaryan, while keeping Petar Sucic on the bench as a contingency. The blend of Italian grit, Turkish creativity and Armenian flair kept Cagliari guessing. Calhanoglu, ever the dead‑ball specialist, rattled the post with a curling effort, a reminder that the Italian could still turn a match on his heel.Defensively, Cagliari held their shape thanks to a series of reflex saves from their goalkeeper, who denied several Inter chances in the first half. Sebastiano Esposito threatened from the flank, but the hosts could not capitalize. The deadlock was broken when Pio Esposito, the young forward, latched onto a loose ball and finished low to make it 1-1.
Not to be outdone, Inter surged again before halftime. A slick passing move saw Martinez receive a low cross and double‑tap the ball into the net, restoring the lead and quieting the coastal crowd. The second half saw Cagliari push forward, but Inter’s rotation meant fresh legs on the bench – they could replace tired bodies without dropping quality.
The final whistle confirmed a 3-1 victory, marking Inter’s third consecutive win across all competitions. More than the three points, the result highlighted Chivu’s skill in maintaining momentum while rotating key players. Sommer’s composure, Martinez’s instinct, Henrique’s debut energy, and the midfield’s fluidity all combined to illustrate a squad that can adapt without losing its competitive edge.
Looking ahead, the rotation policy will likely stay in place as Inter battles for the Scudetto and a deep European run. The match against Cagliari proved that even with changes – a new goalkeeper, a returned striker, a debutant wing‑back – the team’s core identity remains intact. Fans can expect similar strategic swaps in the weeks to come, testing the squad’s depth but also safeguarding the main stars for the season’s crucial moments.
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