Federico Dimarco addressed the press after helping Inter Milan see off Ajax in their opening Champions League outing of the 2025/26 season.
Speaking to Prime via FCInterNews, the Italian wingback admitted that his ‘conscience is clear’ amid harsh criticism.
Despite his stellar reputation, Federico Dimarco has been a shadow of his former self at the start of the season.
Indeed, new manager Cristian Chivu even benched him in Saturday’s Derby d’Italia clash against Juventus.
However, the 27-year-old reacted well, registering an assist off the bench.
Furthermore, he fared well in tonight’s 2-0 win at the Johan Cruyff Arena, spending nearly 80 minutes on the pitch.
Carlos Augusto took his place toward the end of the game, but it was already too little too late for Ajax to pull off a comeback.
More importantly, Inter bounced back from last weekend’s loss at Juventus.
Federico Dimarco Hits Back at Criticism After Ajax 0-2 Inter Milan
“The criticism? As long as it’s constructive, I always listen to everything,” Dimarco said after the match. “But when it gets personal and goes too far…
“That’s part of the game,” he admitted. “My conscience is clear, and I always try to give my best for this shirt. And of course, I listen to the coach’s advice.”
Meanwhile, Dimarco hailed Francesco Pio Esposito’s showing in Amsterdam.
The highly-rated striker made his Champions League debut in Lautaro Martinez’s absence.
Despite failing to get on the mark, the young gun did well, showing glimpses of his burgeoning talent.
Therefore, Dimarco rated his performance highly.
“Seven and a half. With a goal, it would’ve been a nine,” he stated.
Esposito got the nod in attack ahead of Ange-Yoan Bonny, who came off the bench toward the end of the game.
With Lautaro at risk of missing the upcoming league game against Sassuolo, Esposito could make his first Serie A start for Inter.
“The criticism? As long as it’s constructive, I always listen to everything,” Dimarco said
Here is my criticism. You stand far to far away from your man when they are in the final third and allow them to cross the ball too easily. EVERY cross is a threat and chance for the opposite team.
My constructive response is that you should get physically tight to your man and force him to go round you. Body check him. Get close. There is no pressure standing 5m away from him. If you foul him so be it. It’s easier to defend a set piece than broken open play.
GET TIGHT MAN!!!!!
Hits the bullseye. Though he’s not the only one guilty of this. I think this is due to Inzaghi’s instruction not to lunge/tackle opponents near the box. That’s why Chivu mentions several times he wants the team to be more aggressive.
If everyone is satisfied with today performance against Ajax, I am disappointed on how low everyones standards are for Inter. Ajax is one of the weaker teams in UCL and the only thing thing that went well were those 2 corners. Inter played shit today with no possession, no buildup plays and obviously no dribbles.
I turned off after the first half. bad performance and didn’t want to waste my time watching another dreadful half.
Rtards. He was benched cause rino used all his energy. If anyone dares to critisize dima – call me – i’ll fok u up
I just criticized him. His defending and defending pressure is Sunday league level.