‘Axis Of Rebuilding’ – Chivu Works Closely With Lautaro Martinez To Put His Stamp On Inter Milan | OneFootball

Cristian Chivu is working closely with Lautaro Martinez as he looks to rebuild Inter Milan in his own image.

Today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews, highlight how the coach and captain have formed an “axis” to guide the Nerazzurri through this summer.

New Inter Milan coach Cristian Chivu is having to work on the fly somewhat.

Until a few weeks ago, he will hardly have expected that he’d be in charge of the Nerazzurri at this stage. But the departure of Simone Inzaghi completely overhauled the situation.

And Chivu’s Inter are straight into the action.

The Nerazzurri are in the United States for the Club World Cup. Therefore, the Romanian is having to put his stamp on the team right away.

Chivu & Lautaro Forming The “Axis” Of A New Inter Milan

PASADENA, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 17: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of FC Internazionale Milano, reacts during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group E match between CF Monterrey and FC Internazionale Milano at Rose Bowl Stadium on June 17, 2025 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

In the view of the Gazzetta, the most important figure in Chivu’s new Inter has been captain Lautaro Martinez.

The Argentine has already played under the likes of Luciano Spalletti, Antonio Conte, and Simone Inzaghi.

Martinez inherited the captain’s armband from Samir Handanovic two seasons ago. That represented how he had become the team’s leader on and off the pitch under Inzaghi.

Therefore, Martinez is the player who Chivu has immediately forged the closest relationship with.

The 27-year-old is the player who the coach has really used to understand the mood of the dressing room.

And Martinez’s familiarity with Inter’s system of play under Inzaghi has been crucial for Chivu to understand the question of continuity, transition, and how quickly he can make the changes he wants to.