Retired goalkeeper Alberto Fontana believes the lack of playing time will hurt the development of Inter Milan goalkeeper Josep Martinez.

The Nerazzurri signed the 26-year-old last summer following his exploits at Genoa. They considered him the right successor for Yann Sommer as well as a capable backup.

After all, a European superpower that aims to compete for the highest honours must have competent alternatives across all departments, including goalkeepers. And as the betting odds would assuredly tell you, Inter are indeed the odds-on favourites to win the Serie A title, and one of the main candidates for the Champions League trophy. So if you’re a fan of sports betting, or simply looking for fun time-killing casino games, you can find the best platforms on the web as first reported by OnlineCasinos.mt.

But while Inter are happy to host two solid choices for the goalkeeper role, Martinez has been paying the price.

With Sommer continuing to prove himself as one of the best in Italy, the Spaniard has become an afterthought.

This season, Martinez has yet to make an appearance in Serie A. He made his Nerazzurri debut in the Coppa Italia Round of 16 against Udinese, and earned a clean sheet.

The former Barcelona and RB Leipzig custodian finally got the nod in the league this weekend due to Sommer’s injury. Curiously, he’ll be facing his former employers, Genoa.

Alberto Fontana Concerned About Josep Martinez Lack Of Playing Time At Inter Milan

Josep Martinez Genoa
GENOA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 11: Josep Martinez of Genoa greets the crowd during a warm-up session prior to kick-off in the Serie A TIM match between Genoa CFC and Atalanta BC – Serie A TIM at Stadio Luigi Ferraris on February 11, 2024 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)

Like Martinez, Fontana is a man who knows a thing or two about the Nerazzurri bench. The 56-year-old served as a backup goalkeeper for Francesco Toldo between 2001 and 2005.

Nevertheless, the Cesena native explains that he joined Inter at a relatively old playing age for the big club experience. On the other hand, a 26-year-old like Martinez should be earning consistent playing time.

“The role of the goalkeeper is already difficult in itself,” noted Fontana in his interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport via FcInterNews.

“You don’t have to surprise people with special effects. The goalkeeper surprises everyone when he does easy things well.

“Compared to Martinez, my situation was very different. I was at the end of my career so I made a life choice because I was curious to get to know the world of the big teams.

“I was already 36, I knew very well that I wouldn’t play. But Josep is a big investment, Inter paid a lot for him and are considering him for the future.

“Not playing at that age doesn’t help, although it’s true that now even participating 100% in training helps. Of course, it’s easier to be a backup at 36 than at 26.”