Inter Milan Coach Optimistic About Italy Star’s Recovery Ahead Of AC Milan Clash, Praises “Gigantic” Display Vs Man City | OneFootball

Inter Milan manager Simone Inzaghi is cautiously optimistic about Federico Dimarco who could be available for Sunday’s Derby della Madonnina.

The Italy international picked up a knock during last weekend’s contest against Monza which ended in a 1-1 draw.

Therefore, the wingback remained at home while his teammates flew to England for the big Champions League showdown against Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.

Inzaghi had no other choice by to enstrust Carlos Augusto with a starting berth, especially with Tajon Buchanan also on the sidelines.

The Nerazzurri produced a brilliant display, earning a valuable draw. However, Inzaghi will be keen to regain Dimarco’s services as soon as possible.

The 48-year-old revealed that his wingback could be back for the weekend’s clash against AC Milan. Nevertheless, he insists the club won’t take any risks on this front.

“Dimarco should be back. We obviously won’t take any risks, but there’s enough optimism,” said Inzaghi in his post-match press conference via FcInterNews.

“If he finishes training well on Saturday, he’ll definitely be among those called up. We have excellent doctors and physiotherapists who monitor him every day.

“On Wednesday, he did some light work and seemed fine so we’ll evaluate him. If he gives us guarantees, he’ll be in the game.”

The former Lazio coach also heaped praise on his team’s display against the Cityzens.

“The lads were gigantic. I asked for a big performance and we did it. We know Manchester City, we had to play a great game and we produced many chances.

“We could have done better, but we all worked together as a team as we have done in recent years. When we want to, we are a tough nut to crack for anyone.”

Inzaghi also reserved special words of praise for his new signing Mehdi Taremi who produced a fine showing.

“Mehdi is an important player who had a great game, just like Thuram. At that moment I had to make a decision and at that moment it was better to take off Thuram even if he was giving us a hand.

“Taremi worked really hard because we needed the forwards to do so. Playing against Man City is not easy.”

Finally, the coach explained why he brought in Davide Frattesi instead of Kristjan Asllani for Hakan Calhanoglu.

“Barella had done about twelve and a half kilometers, so I asked Frattesi to warm at that instance. Then, when I wanted to insert him in place of Barella, Calhanoglu was having a little problem.

“So I brought in Frattesi in place of Calhanoglu because Asllani was sitting on the bench, he had stopped warming up two minutes ago.

“I know I can count on both of them, but I chose Frattesi.”