Inter have confirmed that Josep Martinez will begin the new season as their first-choice goalkeeper, following the departure of Yann Sommer. The club, with the backing of assistant coach Cristian Chivu, have placed their faith in the Spaniard to fill the void left by Sommer, with Ivan Provedel set to serve as his understudy.
Martinez joined Inter from Genoa in 2024 for a fee of €15 million including bonuses. He featured in 21 matches across all competitions last season, conceding 16 goals. A key moment in his Inter career came in the Coppa Italia final against Lazio, where he denied Luis Alberto, helping Inter secure the trophy. His performance in the cup run earned him the starting role.
The move comes after a challenging period for Martinez off the pitch. In October 2025, he was involved in a road accident, and is currently under investigation. Following the incident, the club provided him with psychological support to help him cope with the aftermath. He has since regained his focus through consistent work and support from teammates and staff, including Chivu, who has publicly defended him.
Provedel, 32, arrives at Inter having previously been a regular starter for both Spezia and Lazio. Notably, he has a knack for scoring goals, having netted a header in the Champions League while at Lazio and another in Serie B. He will provide experienced cover for Martinez, despite having spent his career as a number one. According to reports, Provedel will embrace the role of backup, aiming to contribute when called upon.
The appointment of Martinez as the starting goalkeeper signals a new era for Inter, with the club placing trust in a relatively young and promising talent. The arrival of Provedel provides a reliable and experienced alternative, ensuring competition and depth in the goalkeeping position. This move is expected to solidify Inter’s defensive stability as they aim to defend their Serie A title.
