Inter ace Federico Dimarco has refused to hide his excitement about receiving his maiden Italy national team call-up from Roberto Mancini. The left-footed defender’s eye-catching Serie A displays this season have earned him a place in Italy’s squad for the 2021 UEFA Nations League Finals.
Dimarco joined Mancini’s side a bit late, replacing the injured Atalanta star Matteo Pessina, though his inclusion has come as no big surprise. The 23-year-old has gone from strength to strength since returning to the Giuseppe Meazza this summer. The Italian has taken no prisoners en route to cementing his place in Simone Inzaghi’s starting line-up.
After racking up a goal and a pair of assists across his seven top-flight appearances this season, it’s safe to say Dimarco has well deserved his place in the national team.
Widely regarded as one of the most exciting up-and-coming defenders in Serie A, the ex-Hellas Verona man has found his first Italy call-up somewhat expected. However, he has admitted how satisfying it has been to make the final cut.
“I was at home, with my partner and my son. I didn’t expect it, but it meant a lot. It is special to be here and represent the colors of your country,” he said, as relayed by FCInterNews. “For me, it represents a lot. Representing Italy around the world and playing the honor of this shirt is something special.“
Dimarco was an unused substitute in Italy’s underwhelming 2-1 loss to Spain in the UEFA Nations League semi-finals last time out. That defeat curtailed Mancini’s side’s outrageous 37-match unbeaten run in international fixtures, setting them for a third-place play-off showdown against Belgium on Sunday.
Dimarco may fancy his chances for his senior international debut in the upcoming clash against Roberto Martinez’s team, as Emerson Palmieri failed to live up to expectations on Wednesday.