Inter Milan Youngster Names Teammate & Italy Star As Inspiration | OneFootball

Inter Milan youngster Matteo Cocchi has named teammate Federico Dimarco as his inspiration.

The 18-year-old full-back made his Champions League debut for the Nerazzurri last season against Feyenoord.

He also played a key role in Inter’s successful Primavera campaign.

Speaking in the matchday programme for Inter’s match against Sassuolo this evening, with quotes via FCInterNews, Cocchi discussed inspirations and proudest moments.

“I’ve never had a true idol,” the Italian said, “but there are players who have inspired me and one of them is definitely Dimarco.”

Inter Milan Youngster Cocchi Names Dimarco As Inspiration

SANT’ARCANGELO DI ROMAGNA, ITALY – OCTOBER 28: Matteo Cocchi of Italy in action. During European Under-17 Championship 2024 qualifying round match between Italy and Northern Ireland. At Stadio Valentino Mazzola on October 28, 2023 in Sant’Arcangelo di Romagna, Italy. (Photo by Giuseppe Bellini/Getty Images)

Cocchi is a left-back and therefore plays in the same position as Dimarco.

The youngster is fortunate in that Inter have a talented star like Dimarco for him to learn from.

Cocchi also discussed pre-match preparation:

“I prepare matches with great calm, trying to stay as relaxed as possible and clear my mind so that I can give everything on the pitch.”

The teenager was asked about the most important challenge of his career so far.

“It was overcoming the moment after missing a penalty in the UEFA Youth League two years ago,” he said.

“It wasn’t easy,” he continued.

“But thanks to the team and the coach I managed to move forward and learn lessons from it.”

Cocchi joined Inter’s youth system from Bologna in 2021 and last year, his contract was extended until 2027.