Inter are expected to hand Ivan Provedel his Serie A debut against Parma on Saturday as manager Cristian Chivu prepares to rotate his goalkeepers over the next two matches.
Josep Martinez has started every competitive game for the Nerazzurri this season, but reports from Calciomercato.com say Chivu wants to create an “inclusive” environment across the squad, including among the goalkeepers.
That approach could give Provedel his first appearance for Inter since joining from Lazio during the summer. He is reportedly in line to start at San Siro when Parma visit on Saturday evening.
Martinez is then expected to return for Inter’s Champions League match against Club Brugge on Tuesday.
Chivu’s selection policy has already seen every outfield player available to him receive competitive minutes this season, with the exception of Djed Spence. The defender has been unavailable while continuing his return to fitness after his summer transfer from Tottenham Hotspur.
Provedel moved to Inter in a low-cost deal from Lazio after the club had considered alternatives including Guglielmo Vicario and Emiliano Martinez. Vicario is now at Juventus, while Emiliano Martinez is now at Chelsea.
Rather than signing an expensive first-choice goalkeeper, Inter opted to promote Martinez, who had been last season’s number two, and recruit a cheaper player to provide cover and competition.
The club eventually agreed a €3m deal for Provedel, who could now make his first start for the Nerazzurri against Parma.
Thursday’s reports indicate that the goalkeeper rotation is part of a wider effort by Chivu to involve the squad throughout the campaign, while maintaining Martinez’s role for the Champions League fixture next week.