Inter’s Bernabeu Night and Dimarco's Contract Talks

Inter are in Madrid to launch their Champions League campaign against Real Madrid. Behind the scenes, though, another contest is already under way – over the future of Federico Dimarco.

Kick-off at the Bernabeu is set for 20.00 UK time (21.00 CEST), but the left-back will not be on the pitch. Dimarco is out injured, joining Djed Spence on the list of absentees for Simone Inzaghi’s side as they start their European journey on Spanish soil.

His presence is still being felt.

Contract talks in the stands

Sky Sport Italia report that Dimarco’s agent, Arturo Canales, is in the stands in Madrid and has used the occasion to sit down face to face with Inter’s new director of sport, Dario Baccin. No training ground meeting, no office summit. Instead, a high-stakes chat framed by the glare of the Champions League lights.

The timing is no coincidence. Dimarco recently made it clear he was still waiting for a formal proposal for a new contract. His current deal runs until June 2028, but his status inside the club has shifted dramatically over the past year.

He has leverage now. Serious leverage.

The Italy international was just named Serie A Player of the Season for 2025/26, recognition of his rise from homegrown option to one of Inter’s true reference points. That award, on top of his consistency and importance in big games, gives him a strong hand as he pushes for a salary that reflects his role.

A new power structure at Inter

For Inter, the meeting also serves another purpose: setting the tone for a new internal hierarchy. Baccin has stepped up from long-time deputy to replace Piero Ausilio as director of sport, moving from the shadows into the spotlight.

This negotiation, with one of the squad’s most symbolic figures, becomes an early test of his authority and style. Handle Dimarco’s renewal decisively and it sends a message to the dressing room and the market. Let it drift and the questions will come quickly.

Dimarco, who posed with the Scudetto and Coppa Italia trophies at San Siro last May, has already shown he can be a pillar of a winning Inter. Now the club must decide how high they value that contribution – and how fast they are willing to prove it.