Marotta reassuring for Inter: ‘Dumfries recovering faster than predicted’ | OneFootball

Inter President Beppe Marotta hints they won’t sign a new wing-back in January because Denzel Dumfries ‘is recovering faster than predicted’ from his ankle surgery.

The match with Lecce kicks off at San Siro at 19.45 GMT (20.45 CET).

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from this game and Napoli-Parma on the Liveblog.

MILAN, ITALY – JANUARY 11: Leonardo Spinazzola of SSC Napoli is challenged by Nicolo Barella of FC Internazionale Milano during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and SSC Napoli at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on January 11, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

These fixtures, along with tomorrow’s Verona-Bologna and Como-Milan, are rescheduled from December for the Supercoppa Italiana.

The Nerazzurri were held to a 2-2 draw by Napoli in the Scudetto showdown at the weekend, having twice taken the lead only to be denied by a Scott McTominay double.

It still has them three points clear at the top of the Serie A table, but with big games coming up, the squad is rotated somewhat this evening.

Marotta confident of Inter title chances

PISA, ITALY – NOVEMBER 30: Giuseppe Marotta of FC Internazionale looks on prior to the Serie A match between Pisa SC and FC Internazionale at Arena Garibaldi on November 30, 2025 in Pisa, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

“We are in an innovative period for the game of football, where a muscle called the brain is getting fatigued as well,” Marotta told DAZN Italia.

“The coach knows what to do, he gave a day off for the players this week, but that doesn’t affect the training work. If he decided this, it’s because he felt it was the best thing for the squad.”

Why do Inter struggle to win any of the ‘big’ games against the likes of Napoli, Juventus and Milan?

“I think it’s a statistical thing more than anything else to worry about, because the performances have always been good, but we are working to rejuvenate this squad and that also means losing something in terms of experience,” said the President.

“Chivu knows that, but I sense these players are growing and that bodes well for the future.”

MILAN, ITALY – JANUARY 11: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of FC Internazionale Milano, looks on prior to the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and SSC Napoli at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on January 11, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

There are fewer changes than had been expected, as Manuel Akanji and Piotr Zielinski do still start, but Hakan Calhanoglu will be out for three to four weeks with his latest injury setback.

The only likely new addition for the January transfer window is a right-sided wing-back to stand in for injured Dumfries.

“The news of the day is that Dumfries is recovering faster than predicted. We missed him and hope he can soon be at the disposal of the coach.

“We also must admit it is not easy to find a profile who is of the standards required of a club like Inter,” noted Marotta.