Ex-Italy star identifies ‘the thing that stands out the most’ about Dimarco in 2025-26 | OneFootball

Former Inter and Italy star Beppe Bergomi believes that Federico Dimarco is among the best players in the world in his position and has identified ‘the thing that stands out the most’ about the Nerazzurri wing-back during his magnificent 2025-26 campaign.

Dimarco is now up to a staggering 21 goal involvements from 25 appearances in Serie A from left wing-back. He added his sixth league goal of the season to his tally during Saturday’s 2-0 win over Genoa in San Siro.

Dimarco also has 15 assists to his name in the league and is only one away from matching the all-time Serie A record for assists in a single season.

There have been some suggestions that the Italy international could win the league’s MVP award at the end of the 2025-26 season.

Bergomi on Dimarco: ‘He is one of the greatest in the world’

MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 28: Federico Dimarco of FC Internazionale scores their team’s first goal during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Genoa CFC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on February 28, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Speaking in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, Bergomi had nothing but positive things to say about the Nerazzurri wing-back.

“He’s having an extraordinary season this year, but he’s always done well over the last four years. He’s been great for the national team, he’s scored a lot of goals. He’s already shown great qualities before.

“The thing that stands out the most this year is that he plays lots of games for the full 90 minutes. In recent years he struggled with that, so in my opinion, Cristian Chivu’s management has been very good.”

Bergomi went on to give a specific example of Chivu’s man-management skills: “In the Coppa Italia against Torino, he didn’t even call him up, he left him at home. Why? It makes you understand the status that the lad has reached. The coach considers him one of the most important players and so rests him for certain games.

CAGLIARI, ITALY – MARCH 01: Beppe Bergomi looks on during the Serie A match between Cagliari and FC Internazionale at Sardegna Arena on March 1, 2019 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images)

“Cristian maybe takes a few more risks. He lets some youngsters play, like Cocchi who made his debut in the Coppa Italia. So this allows Federico to catch his breath, and when Federico takes a breather, he tends to do well and finds himself in top condition. Then he becomes decisive in games, through goals, assists, free-kicks and corners – He takes them in an incredible way.

“What I also notice is that when you’re doing better physically, you defend even better as well. You can perform better in both phases.”

Dimarco had previously complained about the fact that he rarely lasted the full 90 minutes when playing under former Nerazzurri head coach Simone Inzaghi, claiming that it was ‘difficult to grow’.

“They seemed tired last year,” Bergomi commented. “They had to play a lot of games at the highest level. I don’t know if there was a problem between the coach and player. The important thing in these situations is to maintain a certain type of level throughout the season, which isn’t easy.

“But from what I notice, he’s doing fine physically and mentally. I see him looking great, cal, and he has kept that wonderful boot of his.”

Bergomi was asked whether he feels Inzaghi did as best as he could when managing Dimarco.

MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 02: Simone Inzaghi, Head Coach of FC Internazionale, looks on from the dugout prior to the Coppa Italia Semi Final match between AC Milan and FC Internazionale at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on April 02, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

He replied: “I have nothing against Inzaghi’s management. Simone made him blossom, ,he helped him have some incredible seasons.

“This year, the nice thing is that he plays full games regularly. It might be a difference in preparation, it might be that he has an extra physical trainer to work individually. It might also be the case that, mentally speaking, that month off he had was useful for him to restart.”

Bergomi went on to explain what he thinks is Dimarco’s best quality on the pitch: “The fact that he increases the quality in both a four-man and a three-man defence, but he is undoubtedly best as a wing-back.”

Bergomi also had his say on where he thinks Dimarco ranks among the best players in the world in his position.

SASSUOLO, ITALY – FEBRUARY 08: Lautaro Martinez of FC Internazionale celebrates after scoring his team third goal during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and FC Internazionale at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on February 08, 2026 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

“I’ve always had my own particular conception on what the strongest in the world is. The fact is that it depends so much on historical moments. For me, the greatness of a player is shown in their continuity. Why do we talk about Messi or Ronaldo? Because they have been at the absolute top for 20 years.

“Dimarco’s value will therefore only be judged at the end of his career. Today, we can say that in terms of his ability, the way that he crosses, the way he shoots on goal and the amount of assists he provides, he is one of the greatest in the world.”