Chivu’s hint and the truth behind Josep Martinez’s season

A turbulent year off the pitch and a decisive rise on it

One of the standout figures in Tuesday night’s Inter Milan–Como clash was undoubtedly Josep Martinez. 

His performance and words helped the Nerazzurri secure progression to the Coppa Italia final. It has not been an easy season for the Spanish goalkeeper, shaped by events both on and off the pitch, as highlighted by La Gazzetta dello Sport via Fcinter1908.

From the story of his season, one cannot overlook the incident that affected him most deeply. Football, in this case, had nothing to do with it. 

On October 28, Martinez was involved in a road accident in which an 81-year-old man lost his life. What followed was an ongoing investigation for vehicular manslaughter, the emotional shock experienced by the 27-year-old, and the psychological support provided by the club during such a difficult time.

A story that made headlines and remains unresolved, yet despite everything, the Spaniard has tried to refocus on football, supported by his coach, teammates, and the club.

Support, patience, and a decisive opportunity for Martinez

From the Coppa Italia round of 16 against Venezia onward, Martinez has started every match, playing the full 90 minutes each time. 

That makes a total of 360 minutes leading him to the final on May 13. In the competition, he has conceded an average of one goal per game, while his teammates have scored ten in total.

Cristian Chivu has consistently shown faith in him, describing him as “reliable” after his latest performance. 

However, he also added: “He could have had more opportunities, but if that didn’t happen, he knows why.” 

In other words, Martinez has not always been at his best, physically as well, which limited Chivu’s ability to rotate him with Yann Sommer during certain stretches of the league season.

Still, just four days before the semifinal at San Siro, again at home against Cagliari, Chivu made another inspired decision by starting his backup goalkeeper. 

It was his first start in nearly a month and a half—his last being March 3 in the first leg against Como—and in the league, he had not appeared since late September. Precisely 202 days.

That decision paid off: a clean sheet against Pisacane’s side, followed by an excellent 90-minute display against Nico Paz and his teammates. Those performances helped push Inter Milan into the Coppa Italia final and gave Martinez a chance to relaunch his own season.