Inter Milan wingback Federico Dimarco has named the Champions League clash with Barcelona as a turning point for him this season.

Speaking to Italian magazine Rivista Undici, via FCInterNews, the 25-year-old also noted the importance of shining for the Italian national team for his growth.

This has been a real season of growth for Dimarco.

Perhaps it has not exactly been a “breakout” campaign. Last time around, the wingback featured regularly for the Nerazzurri as well.

However, this time around Dimarco has been a first-choice starter and a key player.

The 25-year-old has brought outstanding passing and crossing, as well as leadership and passion to the team.

The turning point for Dimarco seemed to come in the fall of the season. For his part, the Inter star can identify specific matches when things really felt like they’d changed.

Inter Star Federico Dimarco Names Barcelona Clash As Key Moment

“The matches with the national team changed me,” Dimarco said. ‘And I’d also add the one against Barcelona during the same period.”

“They were matches that they made a completely different player,” he said.

“When you always play, you play important matches, you gain confidence and awareness of what you’re capable of.”

“For me it was a turning point,” the 25-year-old said. “Mentally, in terms of performance.”

“To get to certain levels you have to play a lot of matches like that.”

“When you play them, you realize where you are,” he said.

“But I try to do my job calmly,” Dimarco added. “Except when it comes to the derby.”

Dimarco Hits Out At Racism Against Romelu Lukaku

The Nerazzurri wingback also gave his thoughts on the scandalous racism that Inter striker Romelu Lukaku experienced from Juventus fans.

“That certain things still happen in 2023 is unacceptable,” he said.

“Until people who hurl racist insults at players are expelled from football, are not removed from stadiums, nothing will change,” he continued.

“In order to change, serious measures must be taken.”

Of his personal friendship with Lukaku, Dimarco said that “We see each other all the time off the pitch.”

“We were in contact even when I was at Verona,” he continued.

“We have an excellent relationship, we talk about football but also our personal lives,” Dimarco said of his friendship with Lukaku.

“And in the evenings we play PlayStation against one another,” he added.