Much will depend on the condition of Calafiori: this is the key issue around which Mancini‘s decision revolves ahead of the decisive Nations League match against Belgium. As reported by Tuttosport, the head coach seems inclined to give Dimarco a starting spot, but his position on the field is yet to be determined.
If the Arsenal defender passes the final training assessment and provides sufficient guarantees, the most likely scenario is that the Inter winger will be deployed as a left winger in the 4-3-3 formation, a solution already used at the end of the match against France, where he provided the assist for Frattesi‘s goal. Otherwise, Dimarco would drop back to the defensive line as a left-back, with Palestra and Ahanor as alternatives.
For the Milanese player, it would be a significant return to the starting lineup for the national team. His last start in the blue jersey dates back to March 31, in the match played in Zenica, when then head coach Gattuso substituted him at the end of the ninety minutes of regular time. A knee problem then prevented him from taking part in the first four matches of the new campaign, forcing him to miss the start of this Nations League.
His return to Inter was also gradual: in the nine matches before the break, he collected six starts and three appearances as a substitute, without immediately regaining the consistency of last season. That season ended with seven goals and 18 assists in the league, a performance rewarded with the Serie A Player of the Year award. The assist against France, in any case, is a positive sign: with the national team, Dimarco has a total of 39 caps, three goals, and 11 assists.
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