Inter Handed Heavy Personnel Blow Ahead of Crucial Fiorentina Fixture | OneFootball

Star wingback Federico Dimarco could reportedly miss Monday’s crucial Serie A encounter between Inter and Fiorentina. According to Sky Sport Italia via FCInter1908, the 27-year-old missed Saturday’s training session due to lingering flu-like symptoms.

Inter boss Simone Inzaghi benched Dimarco in Thursday’s morale-blowing 3-0 defeat at Fiorentina. Indeed, Carlos Augusto took his place on the left wing but failed to impress. Unfortunately, the Nerazzurri may be without their talismanic first-team star again on Monday.

Dimarco entered the fray midway through the second half. However, he wasn’t near his best, suggesting a lack of match fitness is taking its toll. Given the importance of the upcoming clash at Giuseppe Meazza, Inter may need to take a substantial risk and play Dimarco from the start.

Thursday’s loss in Tuscany denied Inter a chance to draw level with Serie A leaders Napoli at the summit. Antonio Conte’s side could temporarily extend their lead at the top to six points with a home win against mid-table Udinese later tonight.

As for Inter, they’ve failed to win three of their last five league outings, including a 1-1 derby draw against Milan a week ago. Winter signing Nicola Zalewski delivered a pivotal assist for Stefan de Vrij’s second-half winner and could be Inzaghi’s first choice tomorrow night.

Zalewski joined Inter in the transfer window just gone, as the club sanctioned Tajon Buchanan’s loan switch to Villarreal. Though the Pole should’ve been Dimarco’s deputy, he could gain a more prominent role sooner than expected.