Dimarco can’t choose between Inter and Italy: ‘Let me pick two’ | OneFootball

Federico Dimarco feels ‘obliged’ to help Inter qualify for the Champions League Round of 16, but he’d prefer to qualify for the World Cup with Italy rather than win the European Cup with the Nerazzurri.

Inter host Bodo/Glimt at San Siro in the second leg of the Champions League knockout play-off on Tuesday.

The Nerazzurri must come back from two goals down, having suffered a 3-1 away loss in Norway last week.

Inter vs. Bodo/Glimt – Dimarco’s pre-match interviews

DORTMUND, GERMANY – JANUARY 28: Federico Dimarco of FC Internazionale Milano celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD8 match between Borussia Dortmund and FC Internazionale Milano at BVB Stadion Dortmund on January 28, 2026 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)

During his pre-match press conference (via FcInter1908), Dimarco discussed Inter’s tactical approach for tomorrow’s match.

“Obviously, quite attacking,” he said.

“We are down two goals. We must pay attention to their counterattacks as they’ve been lethal in other Champions League games this season.

“First of all, we must think about scoring, then we’ll see how the game goes. The first thought will be to make the comeback as soon as possible.”

Dimarco has contributed to 21 goals across all competitions this season, scoring six times and providing 15 assists and praised his coach Cristian Chivu: “He’s given me a lot of advice since the start of the year.

“We must try, we are Inter. We must play this match as we have in other Champions League matches we’ve played in recent years,” Dimarco continued.

MILAN, ITALY – JANUARY 11: Federico Dimarco of FC Internazionale Milano celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and SSC Napoli at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on January 11, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

“The same goes for the national team. We’ve missed the last two World Cups, and we are obliged to try.”

The national team was also mentioned during Dimarco’s interview with Sky Sport Italia when the Italy star was asked to choose between winning the Scudetto or the Champions League with Inter or qualifying for the World Cup with the Azzurri.

The left wing-back smiled and replied: “Please, let me pick two: Scudetto and qualification for the World Cup.”