Inter Milan have confirmed that left-back Federico Dimarco will miss their UEFA Champions League opener against Real Madrid, scheduled for tomorrow at the Santiago Bernabéu. The decision, reported by Sky Sport Italia, comes as a precautionary measure to allow the player adequate time to recover from a recent injury.
Injury Management and Recovery Plan
According to the Italian broadcaster, Dimarco’s injury is not considered serious. He participated in part of the team’s collective training session and is in good physical condition. However, the technical and medical staff have opted not to risk his availability for the trip to Madrid, preferring to keep him at the club’s training ground in Appiano Gentile for a more structured recovery program.
Given that Dimarco was unlikely to start the match against Real Madrid, the decision to leave him behind allows him to focus on regaining full match fitness. He is expected to be in contention for Inter’s next Serie A fixture.
Dimarco’s Growing Influence at Inter
Dimarco’s absence represents a notable setback for coach Simone Inzaghi, who has come to rely heavily on the Italian international’s contributions. His performances have been instrumental in Inter’s recent domestic success, culminating in him being named the Best Player of the 2025-2026 Serie A season.
Beyond his defensive duties, Dimarco has evolved into one of Inter’s primary attacking threats. During the title-winning campaign, he scored seven goals and provided 18 assists, demonstrating his ability to influence games at both ends of the pitch.
A Historic Season
Dimarco’s 18 assists set a new all-time record for a single Serie A season, underscoring his status as one of the league’s most creative and impactful players. His vision and crossing ability have become central to Inter’s attacking play.
Champions League Opener Against Real Madrid
The timing of Dimarco’s absence is particularly challenging for Inter as they begin their European campaign against one of the tournament’s favorites. Real Madrid, managed by former Inter coach José Mourinho, will provide a stern test for the Nerazzurri, who will need to adapt without one of their most influential players.