Major blow for Inter as Federico Dimarco misses Bernabéu clash

Real Madrid have received a significant boost ahead of their Champions League opener. According to multiple reports in Italy, Federico Dimarco has not been included in Inter’s travelling squad for the match at the Santiago Bernabéu.

The Italian wing-back suffered a mild sprain to his left knee during Saturday’s game against Napoli. The injury is not expected to keep him out for long, but Cristian Chivu has decided against taking a risk with one of his most important players.

INJURED DURING THE NAPOLI COMEBACK

Dimarco started Inter’s 3-2 victory over Napoli and provided the pass for Lautaro Martínez’s first goal. He was unable to finish the match, leaving the pitch shortly after the hour mark because of persistent pain in his knee.

Tests revealed a mild sprain. Dimarco still took part in Monday’s training session, initially raising hopes that he could travel to Madrid and potentially be available from the bench.

Chivu ultimately chose the cautious option. Goal Italia reports that the 28-year-old remained in Milan, with Inter hoping he can return quickly and possibly be available for their next Serie A fixture.

INTER LOSE SERIE A’S PLAYER OF THE YEAR

This is far more than a routine change at left wing-back. Dimarco was voted Serie A’s Player of the Year for the 2025/26 season after producing seven goals and a record 18 assists in the league.

Those numbers explain the scale of his absence. Dimarco provides width, progression and a constant supply of dangerous deliveries into the penalty area. He is also capable of finishing attacks himself and forces opponents to devote considerable attention to Inter’s left side.

Without him, the visitors lose a major source of service for Lautaro Martínez and Marcus Thuram. Real Madrid should have more freedom to attack down their right without facing the same level of offensive threat whenever possession changes hands.

CARLOS AUGUSTO EXPECTED TO STEP IN

Carlos Augusto is the obvious replacement. The Brazilian came on for Dimarco against Napoli and is expected to start at the Bernabéu, although Chivu’s final line-up has not been officially confirmed.

Carlos Augusto offers pace, strength and defensive reliability. What he cannot replicate is Dimarco’s volume of assists or his influence in the final third. Inter may consequently place greater emphasis on their right flank and central combinations.

The Italian champions should not be underestimated. They have won their opening three Serie A matches and showed impressive resilience by recovering from two goals down to beat Napoli 3-2.

A CLEAR TACTICAL OPPORTUNITY FOR REAL MADRID

Dimarco’s absence does not decide the match, but it gives José Mourinho a genuine tactical advantage. Inter arrive without the player who created more league goals than anyone else in their squad last season.

Real can apply greater pressure to Carlos Augusto’s side, force the Brazilian deeper and make it harder for Inter to supply their forwards. With the individual quality available to Madrid in attack, that flank is likely to become an important part of Mourinho’s plan.

Nothing will be handed to Real Madrid at the Bernabéu. Inter remain organised, confident and dangerous. They will simply have to face the record European champions without one of the best players in Italian football.