Federico Dimarco has been a mainstay in Simone Inzaghi’s Inter side for the last two seasons, playing 42 games in all competitions this campaign. The 25-year-old is an almost certain starter for the Champions League final this Saturday against Manchester City.
His performances for the Nerazzurri have been excellent and he has made the left wingback position his own, with his decision-making and versatility being vital for Inter. Dimarco’s performances have not gone unnoticed by the national team either, with Roberto Mancini regularly starting him.
Considering he still has defensive duties in the side his six goals and 10 assists across all competitions have been seriously impressive.
Dimarco’s two key moments in memorable season
Speaking to Italian Magazine Rivista Undici (via Sempre Inter) ahead of the Champions League final in the Ataturk stadium in Istanbul, Dimarco opened up about two standout moments during the current campaign which changed his mentality and made him realise he belonged at the top level.
“The matches with the national team changed me and I also add the one against Barcelona,” said Dimarco.
“These were games that made me a completely different player. Those games where you put in important performances, gain confidence and awareness of what you can do.
“For me it was a turning point, mentally, in terms of performance. To get to certain levels you have to play a lot of matches like that. When you play them, you realize where you are.”
Dimarco stated that he has enjoyed the freedom he has been given by Inzaghi this season: “My role has changed a lot lately, it’s more interchangeable. I really like it. You happen not to find yourself in your role, to be in parts of the field that you do not expect.”
Dimarco: Racist abuse of Lukaku is unacceptable
Dimarco also spoke about his close relationship with striker Romelu Lukaku, with whom he has formed a close bond on and off the pitch.
“We see each other very often off the pitch, we were in touch even when I was in Verona,” Dimarco explained.
“We have a great relationship, we talk a lot about football but also obviously about private life. And in the evening we go against each other on the PlayStation.”
Dimarco also has strong feelings on the racism that Lukaku has had to deal with, calling for change from the authorities.
“That in 2023 certain things still happen, it is inadmissible,” he said.
“As long as people who insult players in a racist way are not expelled from football, they are not removed from stadiums, nothing will change. For a change we must take serious measures.”
