Inter Milan defender Federico Dimarco has outlined how the reigning champions will combat complacency after securing the Double last season, while naming an expanded list of seven clubs capable of challenging for the Scudetto.
The Italy international, who contributed 18 assists and claimed the Serie A MVP award during the successful campaign, insisted that hunger remains the critical factor in defending their crown. “If you’re hungry to win,” Dimarco told TuttoMercatoWeb, “you already start a step ahead.”
Battling the Champions’ Curse
Fresh from lifting two trophies, Dimarco identified the danger of satisfaction derailing Inter’s ambitions. He believes rigorous preparation and mental sharpness offer the only protection against dropping standards.
He explained that combating satisfaction requires “training well, with desire and enthusiasm” while maintaining focus on the manager’s instructions. The left-back confirmed his personal routine remains unchanged regardless of past glories or setbacks, stating his method persists despite European disappointment or domestic triumph.
Dimarco emphasised that consistency separates elite performers from the rest. “Sometimes results come more, sometimes a little less,” he noted, “but to have a clear conscience you must always give 100%.”
Seven Clubs in the Frame
Dimarco expects a fiercely contested title race featuring traditional powerhouses and emerging threats. He named Inter, Milan, Napoli, Juventus, Roma and Atalanta as primary contenders, while also highlighting newly-promoted Como as a dangerous outsider.
The defender suggested fixture congestion could prove decisive, noting that sides without Champions League commitments may hold a physical advantage. He observed that clubs outside Europe’s elite club competition might benefit from lighter schedules, as “that competition takes away a lot of energy.”
Despite the crowded field, Dimarco maintained that Inter’s ambitions remain unchanged from previous seasons. “I see this Inter as in other years,” he said, describing the squad as determined to challenge for the title. “We’ve never hidden from that,” he added, referring to their persistent championship pursuit.
The 26-year-old’s warnings carry particular weight given his instrumental role in last season’s success. His creative output and defensive solidity proved crucial to the Double triumph, making his assessment of the competitive landscape essential reading ahead of the new campaign.