Inter’s left flank has become one of the more interesting selection questions in the early rhythm of the season. Federico Dimarco remains central to the club’s plans, yet Carlos Augusto’s recent form has given Cristian Chivu a genuine alternative as the championship moves through another international break.
There is no suggestion that Dimarco’s status has been weakened. Last season, the Italian produced seven goals and 17 assists, a Serie A record for a player in his role, and established himself as one of Inter’s defining figures. The club’s intention is to keep him for the long term, with renewal discussions already part of the picture.
Dario Baccin met Dimarco’s representative near Madrid’s Prado Museum around 20 days ago, with the player’s future and a new contract among the subjects discussed. Dimarco was never considered expendable and remains so, but his current campaign has been quieter than the one before it.
An injury has also interrupted his momentum, ruling him out of the trip to Madrid and keeping him away from the Italy squad. Even his assist against Napoli has not fully changed the sense that this has, so far, been a more ordinary season by his standards.
Carlos Augusto makes his case
Behind Dimarco, Carlos Augusto has put together a run that is difficult for Inter to overlook. The Brazilian scored at the Bernabeu and followed that with another goal against Udinese, while he also impressed after coming on during the second half at the Olimpico.
In only 237 minutes this season, the 27-year-old has registered two goals and one assist. He was among Inter’s strongest performers in Madrid and again made an impact against Roma, offering Chivu a player in particularly sharp condition.
Carlos Augusto joined Inter in 2023 and has become a useful symbol of the squad’s flexibility. He can operate on the left as a wing-back or in the back line, and is capable of playing on either side when required. Across the past three seasons, he has made 46, 50 and 46 appearances respectively, mostly as a substitute, but he has rarely let the side down when called upon.
Renewals and a selection decision
Inter are also working on Carlos Augusto’s future. His present deal runs until 2028, but discussions with his representatives are under way with the aim of extending it further.
For Chivu, the issue is a welcome one rather than a problem. Dimarco offers proven quality and remains a major part of Inter’s longer-term project; Carlos Augusto is delivering decisive contributions whenever his opportunity arrives. The coach will have the next two weeks to judge how to balance two left-sided players whose form is currently pointing in different directions.
