Josep Martinez made his long-awaited return to the pitch in last night’s Coppa Italia last-16 clash between Inter Milan and Venezia.

After the game, Martinez took to Instagram to celebrate his return to action, via FCInterNews.

It’s been a tough couple of months for the Spanish goalkeeper.

Indeed, Josep Martinez was involved in a fatal car accident in late October, as elderly 81-year-old man lost his life.

Therefore, the 27-year-old spent the past 40 days under constant psychological surveillance.

As expected, Cristian Chivu has given the former Genoa star time and space to deal with the emotional aftermath.

However, a home clash against second-tier opposition was an ideal opportunity for Martinez to take Yann Sommer’s place.

Therefore, Chivu handed his second-string goalkeeper his first competitive appearance since September.

Meanwhile, Marcus Thuram laced up his scoring boots, scoring his first competitive goals since mid-September.

Josep Martinez Enthusiastic to Return to Action in Inter Milan 5-1 Venezia Victory

Josep Martinez Inter Milan
NAPLES, ITALY – MARCH 01: Josep Martinez of FC Internazionale during the Serie A match between Napoli and FC Internazionale at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on March 01, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

Last night’s appearance marked not only a personal milestone for Martinez but also a morale boost for the team.

Despite failing to keep a clean sheet, there was nothing Martinez could’ve done to stop Richie Sagrado from scoring.

Indeed, the ball took an awkward deflection off Carlos Augusto, catching the Spaniard wrong-footed.

Unfortunately, it was Venezia’s only shot on target, meaning Martinez finished the game without a save.

However, that didn’t derail Martinez’s spirit.

“What a great feeling to be back on the pitch with my teammates,” he wrote on Instagram after the game.

“A good test to regain rhythm and feel for what’s ahead. Stronger and more motivated than ever.”

After being rested against Venezia, Sommer should start in Saturday’s home clash against Como in Serie A.

Inter will be out to build on a 2-0 win at Pisa last weekend and maintain pressure on early pacesetters AC MIlan.