Inter make final decision on Dimarco ahead of Real Madrid Champions League opener
Quick summary
Inter Milan have made a final decision on left-back Federico Dimarco's availability ahead of their Champions League opening fixture against Real Madrid.
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Attributed to original sourceMultiple sources in Italy are reporting that Federico Dimarco will not be involved for Inter’s first match of their 2026-27 Champions League campaign away against 15-time victors Real Madrid on Tuesday evening on precautionary grounds.
Confirmed: Dimarco will not be involved in Real Madrid vs. Inter Dimarco’s availability for the Real Madrid clash was cast under doubt when he came off in the 62d minute of Inter’s 3-2 Serie A victory over Napoli on Saturday evening.
PERTH, AUSTRALIA – AUGUST 05: Federico Di Marco of FC Internazionale hugs his team mates after his goal during the pre-season match between AC Milan and FC Internazionale at Optus Stadium on August 05, 2026 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by James Worsfold/Getty Images) The Italy international had reportedly felt some discomfort in his knee during the first half and appeared wearing a large support strap around the affected area after half-time. He then asked to be taken off less than 20 minutes into the second period.
Initial examinations ruled out any serious, long-term injuries to Dimarco’s knee, but it was still uncertain whether he would be able to participate against Real Madrid on Tuesday night. Dimarco was involved in training with the first-team group on Monday morning, their final session on home turf before setting off for the Spanish capital.
Federico Dimarco wearing a support strap around his knee in training with Inter ahead of their first Champions League match of the 2026-27 season away against Real Madrid (via www.inter.it) However, according to the latest updates from the likes of La Gazzetta dello Sport and Gianluca Di Marzio , Inter have taken the decision to leave Dimarco in Milan for their Champions League league phase clash against Real Madrid on Tuesday night. This is a decision that has been taken on precautionary grounds.
Instead, Carlos Augusto is expected to start at left-wing back at the Bernabeu. The Brazilian provided an assist off the bench after replacing Dimarco against Napoli on Saturday.
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What happened
Inter Milan have reached a definitive verdict on whether Federico Dimarco will feature in their Champions League opener against Real Madrid. The Italian left-back's status had been uncertain heading into the match, and Inter's final call resolves the question for the coaching staff. With the Champions League group stage getting underway, Inter's defensive setup for one of the most high-profile fixtures of the opening round now becomes clearer. The decision will shape Simone Inzaghi's tactical approach on the left flank against a Real Madrid side featuring dangerous wide attackers.
Chance analysis
Dimarco is central to how Inzaghi builds Inter's attacking structure down the left — his overlapping runs, crossing, and interplay with the left-sided center-back are integral to their system. Whether he starts, is rested, or is unavailable entirely directly alters Inter's width, set-piece threat, and defensive shape against a Real Madrid frontline that can punish a weakened left side. The resolution of his availability is meaningful for the tactical balance of a marquee Champions League opener.
Inter's left-flank output and defensive balance against Real Madrid depend directly on Dimarco's confirmed availability.