Inter defender Federico Dimarco was surprised that he was called up to the Italian national team squad over the break by coach Roberto Mancini.

Speaking to the FIGC’s official social media channel, as reported by FCInterNews, the 23-year-old opened up on his feelings about being with the national team, while also speaking of wanting to experience success with his club.

Dimarco was a late addition to Mancini’s squad, having come in for injured Atalanta midfielder Matteo Pessina, but in some ways his arrival in the national team did not entirely come as a surprise.

The 23-year-old has been in good form for Inter since his return from loan with Hellas Verona, making his first starts and bagging his first goal for the Nerazzurri in the first few matches of the season.

Dimarco is not surprised by all of this, though he is happy and prepared to do everything he can to build on the success.

On his start in football Dimarco stated, “When I was 5 my dad took me to Calverate, the team near where I lived. I was there from ages five to seven, then I moved to Inter and made the journey up to the first team.”

And on his experiences in Italy’s youth team he stated, “For me they meant a lot, having also made two European finals and a third place in the World Cup. They were all truly inexplicable emotions, also because I got to spend several years with the same teammates, such as Barella and Locatelli.”

Of his first call-up he stated, “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 colours of your country”.

“For me it represents a lot,” he went on. “Representing Italy around the world and playing the honour of this shirt is something special”.

He closed by speaking about his objectives for the future, explaining that his priority is”To do well with my club. Because based on those performances, the call-up to the national team will also come accordingly.”