Dimarco: Inter ‘already close to getting through’ to Champions League knock-outs | OneFootball

Federico Dimarco believes that Inter are already on their way to qualifying for the Champions League knock-out rounds after a strong start over their first four league phase matches, but called for the Nerazzurri players to keep the same levels in every competition they play in this season.

Inter will host RB Leipzig in San Siro on Tuesday night in the fifth round of Champions League fixtures, marking the start of the second half of league phase matches.

Dimarco joined coach Simone Inzaghi for the customary pre-match press conference on Monday afternoon, where he discussed his side’s start in the Champions League and Serie A, the dangers Inter could face against Leipzig and the mood within the Nerazzurri dressing room.

MADRID, SPAIN – MARCH 13: Federico Dimarco of FC Internazionale celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the UEFA Champions League 2023/24 round of 16 second leg match between Atlético Madrid and FC Internazionale at Civitas Metropolitano Stadium on March 13, 2024 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

Asked if Inter have ‘dropped off’ at all compared to this time last year the Italy wing-back said: “Last year was incredible, but we have to put that to one side.

“We started well this year, we’re only one point off the top in November and we have 10 points in the Champions League. There are four games left and we are already close to getting through to the next round.

“I don’t think there have been any drop-offs on a psychological level, we’ve played a lot of games, so there have been some draws and some defeats. Of course, there will be a reaction at a club like Inter. We have to continue working like this and I am sure we will all be pleased in the end.”

Dimarco leads the way in a number of attacking statistics in Serie A from his position at left wing-back.

“The chances I create are because of our teamwork. I always try to put the attackers in the best positions. Everything happens because of the coach and teamwork,” he said in response.

Dimarco on Inter rotations and RB Leipzig threat

Dimarco is not too fussed by Inzaghi’s recent rotations to his starting line-up, which has seen players rested in Serie A ahead of Champions League fixtures.

Dimarco, Hakan Calhanoglu, Lautaro Martinez and Mehdi Taremi were all left out of the Nerazzurri line-up for the 5-0 win over Hellas Verona over the weekend, although some of those calls were due to illness and fitness.

“We don’t worry about turnovers at Inter, we have so many strong players. Those who get on the pitch have to give it there all for the shirt, and it will be the same again tomorrow.”

Then, assessing the threat that Leipzig will pose, the Inter wing-back said: “We know we’ll face a strong team. They’re third in the standings and haven’t conceded many goals. They have strong players like Openda and Sesko in attack, we have to play our game like we always do in the Champions League.”

Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig scores his team’s first goal past Michele Di Gregorio of Juventus during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD2 match between RB Leipzig and Juventus at Leipzig Stadium on October 02, 2024 in Leipzig, Germany. (Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images)

Dimarco on increased competition in Serie A

Only one point separates five teams at the top of the Serie A table, including leaders Napoli, plus Atlanta, Fiorentina, Inter and Lazio, all of whom are level on points from second down to fifth.

Assessing the situation, Dimarco said: “It’s true that lots of our rivals have got stronger, otherwise there wouldn’t be so many teams within so few points at the top. Inter are strong and have to go about every competition in the same way. Every competition is important.”

He was also especially pleased for teammate Joaquin Correa, who got  goal and an assist on his first start of the season against Verona on Saturday.

“I’m really happy for Tucu, he deserves it. He’s been working hard since the beginning of the season, he’s never said a bad word even though he hasn’t played much, and this says a lot about who he is and what our dressing room is like. It’s healthy, we have fun and I think it shows on the pitch.”