No Dimarco, No Party! Inter Milan’s Flying Wing-Back Tops Serie A and Ranks Sixth in Europe, Just Behind €450 Million Five-Star Players

In the world of football, few phrases have captured the imagination of fans and players alike as much as the slogan “No Pirlo, No Party,” which once reverberated throughout Milan. It became synonymous with the iconic playmaking genius of Andrea Pirlo, whose presence in AC Milan's midfield made all the difference. During those years, the Rossoneri boasted stars like Filippo Inzaghi, Kaka, and Paolo Maldini, but it was Pirlo's creativity that set them apart. Fast forward to the present, and a new slogan has emerged in Milan’s footballing landscape: “No Dimarco, No Party.”

Federico Dimarco, Inter Milan’s dynamic left wing-back, has become an indispensable figure in the team’s attacking setup, and his rise has led to him being recognized as one of the most influential players in Serie A and even Europe. According to reports from Gazzetta dello Sport, Dimarco’s ability to create goal-scoring opportunities has reached extraordinary heights, making him one of the top playmakers not just in Italy, but across the continent.

Dimarco’s Impact on Serie A

The numbers speak for themselves. Dimarco currently sits at the top of Serie A’s “key passes” leaderboard, with 31 passes that have led to a shot on goal, tied for first place. But it’s his ability to create “big chances”—those clear-cut opportunities that should, in theory, lead to goals—that truly sets him apart. Dimarco has created 10 big chances in Serie A this season, a number that places him firmly in first place in Italy’s top league. His closest competitor is Charles De Ketelaere of Atalanta, who has created 7 big chances.

When looking beyond Italy and comparing Dimarco to the rest of Europe’s top leagues, his performance remains impressive. In the five major European leagues, only five players have created more big chances than Dimarco. Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka leads the charge with 17, followed by Chelsea’s Cole Palmer with 11, Barcelona’s Raphinha with 17, and his teammate João Félix with 14. In the Bundesliga, Borussia Mönchengladbach’s Jonas Hofmann has also surpassed 10 big chances with 11. Notably, no player in Ligue 1 has created more than Dimarco’s 10 big chances.

What makes Dimarco’s numbers even more remarkable is that, unlike the aforementioned stars—who are all attacking players—Dimarco plays as a wing-back. His role requires him to balance defensive duties while also providing width and creativity in attack, a task he has executed with remarkable precision. The combined value of the players ahead of him in the big chances chart amounts to a staggering €450 million, with three of them valued at over €90 million each. Yet Dimarco, with his more modest market value, continues to outshine many of the world’s most expensive talents in terms of creating opportunities.

Dimarco’s Development: From Promise to Mastery

Dimarco’s development over the past few seasons has been nothing short of impressive. His progression from a promising young player to one of Europe’s most effective wing-backs has been highlighted by consistent improvements in his key passing and chance-creation metrics. In the 2022-23 season, Dimarco registered 60 key passes and created 12 big chances. His ratio of key passes to big chances was roughly 5:1. In the following season, his numbers improved slightly, with 62 key passes and 14 big chances, bringing the ratio down to 4.4:1.

This season, Dimarco’s numbers have taken another leap forward. With only about a third of the season completed, he has already recorded 31 key passes and 10 big chances. His ratio of 3.1:1 shows that he is becoming even more efficient and precise in his ability to create goal-scoring opportunities. This improvement in his game has made him one of the most complete and dangerous attacking full-backs in Europe. In simpler terms, Dimarco has become more reliable, precise, and deadly in his delivery.

To put this into perspective, a key pass to big chance ratio under 3.5 is often considered the hallmark of a “master” in football. With his current form, Dimarco is beginning to earn that title. His evolution from a promising young player to a key figure in Inter Milan’s attack has been a testament to his hard work and dedication.

Dimarco’s Assist Potential and Inter Milan’s Struggles

Despite his impressive numbers, Dimarco has yet to break his personal best for assists in a season. In both the 2022-23 and 2023-24 campaigns, he registered eight assists, but his potential to surpass that mark remains high. Currently, Dimarco has provided three assists across all competitions, and there is optimism that he can increase that tally as the season progresses.

However, one of the factors limiting his assist count is Inter Milan’s inability to convert the chances Dimarco creates. Lautaro Martínez, the team’s star striker, has missed 11 big chances this season, ranking second in Serie A for squandered opportunities. Marcus Thuram, the other half of Inter’s attacking duo, has also been guilty of wasting chances, with eight big chances missed. This inefficiency in front of goal has been a major factor in Dimarco’s relatively low assist tally, despite his excellent service.

There is hope, however, that Inter Milan’s attacking form will improve as the season progresses. According to Gazzetta dello Sport, the club’s medical and coaching staff have been working with Lautaro Martínez to improve his physical condition, which had been subpar earlier in the season. Recent reports suggest that his fitness levels are now at their peak, and with his improved form, the chances created by Dimarco may start to be converted into goals.

Dimarco’s Role in Inter Milan’s Success

Dimarco’s importance to Inter Milan cannot be overstated. His ability to deliver dangerous crosses, make incisive passes, and create chances from wide areas has been crucial to the team’s success. As a wing-back, he provides width and balance to Inter’s attack, stretching opposition defenses and allowing space for his teammates to operate.

But it’s not just his attacking contributions that make Dimarco so valuable. His work ethic and defensive discipline have also been key to Inter Milan’s overall balance. As a wing-back, Dimarco is tasked with tracking back and providing cover for his center-backs, and he has consistently done so with great effectiveness. His versatility allows him to contribute in both defensive and offensive phases, making him one of the most well-rounded players in Serie A.

Looking Ahead: Dimarco’s Future

As Inter Milan continues to push for the Serie A title and compete in European competitions, Dimarco’s role will only become more important. With his combination of technical ability, tactical intelligence, and work rate, he has the potential to become one of the best wing-backs in the world. His performances this season have already earned him recognition as one of the top playmakers in Europe, and if he can continue to improve his assist numbers, he could cement his place among the elite players in world football.

For now, Inter Milan fans can rest easy knowing that their team has a player capable of making the difference in every match. As the saying goes, “No Dimarco, No Party.” With his continued development and the hope that his teammates can start converting the chances he creates, Inter Milan’s title hopes remain very much alive.