Lecce 0-2 Inter Milan – Nerazzurri MOTM On ‘Huge Sigh Of Relief’ To Overcome Tricky Serie A Test | OneFootball

Federico Dimarco was the driving force behind Inter Milan’s 2-0 victory at Lecce, picking up the Panini Player of the Match award after laying on two assists in what proved to be a harder test than the scoreline suggests.

The Italian wing-back spoke to DAZN at full time, via FCInterNews, reflecting on a victory that extends Inter’s lead at the top of Serie A while also providing much-needed momentum heading into Tuesday’s crucial Champions League second leg against Bodo/Glimt at San Siro.

Dimarco was characteristically humble throughout, even suggesting the individual award belonged to someone else entirely.

“It’s a huge sigh of relief,” he said of the second goal, which arrived on 75 minutes to settle Inter’s nerves.

“We knew this was a very demanding game against a well-organised team, and we were also coming off the trip to Norway. But it’s fine, it’s an important victory because it gives us continuity after the Juventus win. We needed it to extend our lead.”

Lecce 0-2 Inter Milan – Dimarco: ‘Mkhitaryan Deserved MOTM’

MILAN, ITALY – JANUARY 14: Henrikh Mkhitaryan of FC Internazionale in action during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and US Lecce at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on January 14, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Dimarco was quick to deflect the individual recognition, pointing to a teammate’s impact from the bench.

“Mkhitaryan came on very well and he deserved it,” he said of the MOTM award.

When asked where he keeps his growing collection of prizes, the wing-back was endearingly straightforward.

“I give them to my kids, they sort them out. The important thing is the team and continuing to travel the way we are.”

On the whistles directed at Alessandro Bastoni during the match, Dimarco was keen to draw a line under the episode.

“Those are things of the past. Bastoni and those involved have said enough. We focus on doing our job.”