Federico Dimarco has firmly established himself as the driving force behind Inter Milan’s triumphant Serie A campaign, a season that culminated in a league title and personal accolades that underscore his elite status. The Italian wing-back was named the league’s Most Valuable Player after delivering a record-breaking 18 assists, a figure that not only set a new benchmark but also highlighted his unparalleled ability to create opportunities from the left flank.
In an interview with CBS Sports Golazo, Dimarco reflected on a year that defied expectations, particularly given how the previous season had ended in frustration. “It was an incredible year,” he said, “considering how last season finished, we started from scratch and together with Chivu and his staff we won two trophies.” That sense of rebirth was a central theme, as Inter underwent a transformation under the guidance of Cristian Chivu, the Romanian coach who took the helm and instilled a renewed sense of purpose.
Chivu’s impact cannot be overstated. Dimarco was effusive in his praise, revealing how the manager helped him personally during a dark period. At the beginning of the season, Dimarco admitted he had lost confidence, but Chivu’s blunt, private words of encouragement acted as a catalyst. “He said some strong words to me,” Dimarco recalled, “which I prefer to keep to myself, but they helped me find that spark again.” This psychological revival translated directly onto the pitch, where Dimarco became the creative heartbeat of the side.
The numbers speak volumes. With 18 assists, Dimarco shattered the previous Serie A record for a wing-back and became the first Italian to win the league’s MVP award—a feat that adds historical weight to his achievement. His deliveries from wide areas, whether pinpoint crosses or clever cutbacks, became Inter’s most potent weapon, unlocking defenses throughout the campaign. The consistency of his output was a key factor in Inter’s Scudetto charge, as they fended off challengers to secure the title with relative comfort.
Beyond the attacking contributions, Dimarco’s all-round game flourished under Chivu’s system, which demanded high energy and tactical discipline. The coach maintained equilibrium even during rough patches, ensuring the team never lost focus. Dimarco noted that Chivu was “very important because during the year there were moments when maybe we didn’t win a game, and he was always good at maintaining balance and keeping us concentrated on the field.” That steadiness proved crucial in a long season.
The two trophies Dimarco referenced include the Scudetto and another piece of silverware, though the interview did not specify which. Regardless, the double triumph marks a significant turnaround for Inter, who had fallen short in the previous season. The club’s decision to trust Chivu, a former Inter defender with limited head coaching experience, paid off handsomely, with the team displaying a relentless winning mentality.
Dimarco’s personal renaissance also has broader implications. As one of Italy’s standout performers, his form came at a time when the national team suffered a major setback—failing to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. That disappointment, while bitter for Italian football, offers Dimarco an extended summer of rest and preparation. He confirmed that he can now think only about Inter, with Italy watching the tournament from home. This focus could be vital for sustaining his high level next season.
From a league perspective, an Italian player winning MVP provides a welcome narrative for Serie A, which has often seen its top individual honors go to foreign stars. Dimarco’s success reinforces the quality of homegrown talent and may inspire a new generation of Italian widemen. His journey from Inter’s youth academy to becoming the league’s best player is a story of resilience and redemption, mirroring the club’s own resurgence.
Looking ahead, Inter will aim to build on this success, with Dimarco as a central figure. The challenge will be to maintain the hunger and avoid the complacency that can follow a dominant campaign. With Chivu staying at the helm and Dimarco operating at his peak, the Nerazzurri have the foundations to compete on multiple fronts, including an anticipated return to the Champions League later stages.
For Dimarco, the accolades are a testament to his dedication. The spark he regained under Chivu ignited a season that will be remembered for years. As he himself put it, the year was “incredible,” and the combination of individual brilliance and collective triumph has etched his name into Inter’s modern history. The wing-back’s rise from uncertainty to MVP symbolizes the transformative power of belief and the right guidance.
Based on reporting from Tuttosport.