Inter manager Cristian Chivu plans to rotate his goalkeepers over the next two matches, with Ivan Provedel expected to make his Serie A debut against Parma this Saturday. While Josep Martinez has started every competitive match for the Nerazzurri this season, Chivu aims to foster an inclusive environment by providing opportunities across his squad, according to reports.
Provedel Set for Serie A Debut Against Parma
Ivan Provedel, who signed with Inter in a €3 million deal from Lazio this past summer, is in line to start against Parma at the San Siro on Saturday evening. According to reports from Calciomercato.com, the move aligns with Chivu’s policy of utilizing his full roster. Excluding Djed Spence, who has been sidelined due to fitness concerns following his transfer from Tottenham Hotspur, every outfield player has already seen competitive minutes under Chivu this season. The 32-year-old goalkeeper is currently warming his gloves in training, having participated in a friendly at Appiano Gentile against Lumezzane to ensure he is prepared for his first competitive opportunity. Provedel joined Inter not to be a “bit-part player,” and he has been working to prove his readiness since arriving in early July.
Martinez Expected to Return for Champions League
While Provedel prepares for his league debut, Josep Martinez is likely to reclaim the starting position for Inter’s upcoming Champions League fixture against Club Brugge on Tuesday. This potential rotation marks a departure from the previous season, when Yann Sommer held the primary role in Serie A while Martinez was largely restricted to Coppa Italia appearances. La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that this "revolving door" approach is intended to maintain high standards and keep both goalkeepers match-fit during a demanding October schedule that includes seven matches in 21 days.
Strategic Shift in Goalkeeper Management
Ultimately, the club chose to promote Josep Martinez to the first-choice role and secure Provedel as a cost-effective understudy. La Gazzetta dello Sport notes that Chivu has avoided discussing fixed hierarchies, emphasizing that he is focused on performance standards rather than pre-determined pecking orders. For Provedel, who grew up as an Inter fan idolizing Francesco Toldo, the opportunity represents a long-awaited career milestone; the keeper previously stated that signing for the club was an emotion difficult to describe or explain
and that he decided I wanted to be a goalkeeper after watching him play.
Provedel brings significant experience to the squad, boasting over 200 Serie A appearances.
Why Cristian Chivu Is Rotating His Goalkeepers
Why is Cristian Chivu changing his starting goalkeeper now?
Chivu intends to create an inclusive environment and ensure all players remain match-ready. With seven fixtures scheduled over the next 21 days, rotating the position helps manage the workload for both Josep Martinez and Ivan Provedel.
Has Ivan Provedel played for Inter yet this season?
Provedel has not made a competitive appearance for the club since his summer transfer. He did, however, feature for the team during pre-season, including a penalty shoot-out against Manchester City in Hong Kong on August 1, 2026.
Will this rotation policy continue for the rest of the season?
It is not yet confirmed if the rotation will remain a permanent fixture. While La Gazzetta dello Sport notes that rotation is a "viable option" this year—unlike last season—the club has not officially defined how long the current selection strategy will last.