Inter Milan left-back Federico Dimarco has been crowned Serie A’s Most Valuable Player for the 2025-2026 season, etching his name into the history books as the first defender to claim the accolade since its inception in 2018-2019. The 28-year-old’s recognition follows a Scudetto-winning campaign in which he shattered the league’s single-season assist record with 18 decisive passes, surpassing all expectations from his wing-back role.
The Italian international’s attacking output was nothing short of revolutionary for his position. Adding six goals to his record assist tally, Dimarco directly contributed to 24 league strikes — a return that rivals many elite forwards. His pinpoint crosses and set-piece delivery became the most reliable weapon in Inter’s arsenal, constantly feeding marksman Lautaro Martinez and tormenting defences across the peninsula.
Dimarco’s triumph breaks a mold previously owned solely by attackers and midfielders, with former Manchester United and current Napoli midfielder Scott McTominay the 2024-2025 recipient. The shift underscores the modern tactical demands on full-backs and wing-backs to be both defensive stalwarts and creative focal points, rewarding those who redefine their roles.
Inter’s domestic dominance this term was further reflected in the coaching honours. Cristian Chivu, in his debut season at the helm, was named Serie A Coach of the Year. The former Romanian international, who took over the Nerazzurri following a lengthy playing career at the club and elsewhere, seamlessly guided a talented squad to the title while integrating young talents and maintaining the team’s high-intensity style.
Within the Inter camp, Chivu is credited with fostering a winning mentality and maximising the potential of his key performers, including MVP Dimarco. His calm authority and tactical acumen have drawn praise from observers, who note how quickly he instilled a sense of belief and structure in a side already laden with quality.
Lautaro Martinez, already a talismanic figure for Inter, added the Best Forward award to his personal trophy cabinet. The Argentine striker once again led the line with his typical blend of goals and relentless pressing, providing the clinical finishes to many of Dimarco’s deliveries. His partnership with the left-back was among the most prolific in Europe this season.
Beyond the black and blue of Milan, the awards night highlighted emerging and established stars from across the league. AS Roma’s Mile Svilar retained his Best Goalkeeper crown for a second consecutive year, reinforcing his status as one of Europe’s top young shot-stoppers. The 26-year-old Serbian international’s reflexes and distribution have made him indispensable at the Stadio Olimpico.
In Cagliari’s surprise mid-table finish, defender Marco Palestra earned the league’s Best Defender nod—a notable achievement alongside Dimarco’s overall MVP, proving that defensive excellence is recognised even in a season dominated by attacking headlines. Further up the pitch, Como’s Nico Paz was named Best Midfielder, capping a breakout campaign for the creative Spaniard whose vision and passing range drew admiring glances from larger clubs.
The Best Young Player award, reserved for talents under 23, went to Juventus prodigy Kenan Yildiz. The Turkish winger showcased flashes of brilliance that have Bianconeri faithful dreaming of a new dynasty, combining technical flair with an eye for goal. His emergence represents a bright spot in a transitional season for the Old Lady.
The breadth of clubs represented among the individual honours—from champions Inter to European hopefuls Roma, mid-table Cagliari, and Como—illustrates Serie A’s competitive balance and the depth of talent outside the traditional powerhouses. While Inter’s clean sweep of the three most prestigious prizes (MVP, Coach, Forward) speaks to their superiority, the league’s ability to produce standout performers in various contexts bodes well for its global appeal.
For Dimarco, the MVP award caps a remarkable journey from Inter youth academy product to indispensable first-team star. His rise mirrors that of the club itself, which has reclaimed its place among Italy’s elite after years of rebuilding. With Chivu at the wheel and a core of prime-age talent, Inter appear well-positioned to maintain their domestic supremacy and make deeper inroads in Europe next season.
Based on reporting from L'Equipe.