Inter Milan are set to kick off their 2026-27 UEFA Champions League campaign without Federico Dimarco when they travel to face Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu on September 8. The Italian left-back has been ruled out of the UCL fixture as Inter take a cautious approach following a knee problem suffered in a recent dramatic 3-2 Serie A victory over Napoli.
Dimarco had initially been considered a late fitness call, but Inter have now decided against risking him in their opening European fixture. The timing is significant, with the defender having been one of Inter’s most productive players during their title-winning UCL 2025-26 campaign.
Federico Dimarco Injury Update: Why Is The Inter Left-Back Missing The UCL Match vs Real Madrid?
Dimarco picked up a mild sprain to his left knee during Inter’s comeback victory over Napoli. The 28-year-old was able to continue for a period before leaving the game, and subsequent examinations reportedly found no serious damage.
However, Inter do not want to take unnecessary risks with the defender so early in the season.
Earlier reports suggested Dimarco could undergo a late assessment before a final decision was made. He even trained with the Inter Milan squad on Monday.
His absence removes one of Inter’s most influential attacking outlets from the Champions League contest. Dimarco produced six goals and 18 assists in Serie A during 2025-26, with his 18 assists setting a league record according to Inter’s official figures. He was also named Serie A’s MVP for the season.
Real Madrid vs Inter Milan: Champions League match details
Inter’s first Champions League League Phase fixture takes place at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday, with kick-off scheduled for 9 pm CEST.
It is the Nerazzurri’s opening game in a UCL League Phase campaign that also includes Liverpool, Club Brugge, Borussia Dortmund, Shakhtar Donetsk, Feyenoord, Stuttgart and Slovan Bratislava.
Real Madrid enter the fixture after losing 1-0 to Real Betis, their first defeat of the new domestic campaign. Inter, meanwhile, arrive in Madrid after overturning a two-goal deficit to beat Napoli 3-2, giving Cristian Chivu’s side momentum before their European opener.
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