Dimarco: ‘Italy showing consistency, but I made that pass before’ | OneFootball

Federico Dimarco can see ‘consistency’ from Italy after their 2-2 draw with Belgium when down to 10 men, but rejects suggestions he copied his goal-creating pass from an Inter teammate.

It had been the perfect start for the Azzurri at the Stadio Olimpico, as a well-worked team move allowed Andrea Cambiaso to score after 61 seconds, then an inspired Dimarco cross-field pass sent Cambiaso through, his finish parried into the path of Mateo Retegui for 2-0.

They seemed in total control until Lorenzo Pellegrini received a straight red card following a VAR On-Field Review, allowing Belgium to claw it back to 2-2 against 10 men with Maxim De Cuyper and Leandro Trossard from set plays.

Dimarco can see Italy progress

“This is football, it is made up of incidents and they make a huge difference,” Dimarco told RAI Sport.

“We were unlucky on that one, it was not easy to defend for 60 minutes against Belgium when down to 10 men, but we take this draw as an important result.

“It was a great performance, not just before the red card, but after too. Everyone put the effort in and this is the spirit we need going forward.”

Italy used the same starting XI that beat France 3-1 in Paris last month and the progress shown in that match was confirmed.

“I think that consistency is important, because many of us do not play together at club level, so we need to get to know each other. We are working well and trying to do what the coach asks.”

There were 18 touches in the build-up to the opening goal, which was played out from the back, as the 3-5-2 formation is really making a difference for Italy.

“We are back on track after a horrible Euros. We’re trying to move each other in the right way to create space for our teammates and we saw that, both today and in the previous two games.”

Dimarco was asked if his remarkable cross-field volleyed pass to Cambiaso for the second goal was inspired by Inter teammate Hakan Calhanoglu, but he did not appreciate the suggestion.

“No. In all honesty, no. If you remember, two years ago I had a similar move in the Champions League. I don’t need comparisons with anyone.”