Inter Milan Youngster Tipped To ‘Follow In Dimarco’s Footsteps’ As Nerazzurri Prepare To Trigger Option-To-Buy From Udinese | OneFootball

Mattia Marello has been one of the brightest stories of Inter Milan’s Primavera season, and the Nerazzurri are set to make his move permanent, triggering their option to buy the left-back from Udinese for around €4 million in the coming months.

The 2008-born Friulian arrived last summer tasked with replacing Matteo Cocchi down the left side.

He has more than delivered, as noted by FCInterNews.

His left foot has drawn inevitable comparisons to Federico Dimarco, a significant compliment for an 18-year-old.

Indeed, even if the bar that sets is an exceptionally high one.

The numbers invite the comparison.

Marello has registered 14 assists this season in the Primavera, just one fewer than Dimarco at senior level, with a natural ability to whip in crosses and deliver set pieces that mirrors his more famous Inter predecessor.

Inter Convinced By Marello After Loan From Udinese – Comparisons Drawn To Dimarco

What sets Marello apart beyond the technical quality is his temperament.

He steps up when the stakes are highest.

In the Youth League knockout rounds against Cologne, Betis and Benfica, he contributed three assists across three games, plus a free-kick goal in the 5-3 victory over the Spanish side.

He also converted a penalty in Inter’s most recent Primavera fixture against Lazio.

That big-game mentality has not gone unnoticed.

Italy’s youth selectors have called him up across the Under-15, Under-16, Under-17 and Under-19 levels, accumulating 26 caps in total.

There are still areas to develop.

His defensive reading and physical duels against stronger opponents occasionally let him down, natural limitations for a player who only turned 18 a few weeks ago.

But the trajectory is clear, the option will be triggered, and a pathway into the Under-23 setup could come sooner than expected.