Inter’s quieter work during the international break has begun at Appiano Gentile, where Federico Dimarco is using the pause to turn an early withdrawal from Italy duty into a controlled return to fitness.
The wing-back left the Coverciano training base last Monday and will miss Italy’s next three Nations League fixtures. The decision was precautionary, reached after contact between the national team and Inter’s medical staff, with all parties agreeing that Dimarco should return to Milan rather than remain with Roberto Mancini’s squad.
For Cristian Chivu, the interruption to the league calendar may yet prove useful. Dimarco has immediately started an individual programme at Inter’s training ground, aiming to restore full condition before club commitments resume. There is no holiday period for those working their way back: although the centre is effectively closed to the wider group until next Monday, injured players have continued to report for treatment and tailored sessions.
Dimarco and Hakan Calhanoglu were both present at Appiano Gentile on Tuesday. Dimarco is expected back again on Wednesday, when he will be joined by Djed Spence, whose recovery is nearing its final stages. The Englishman is set to train with the players who remain in Milan next week.
John Stones is also close to returning, giving Inter encouragement that the break can help ease several absences at once. The season will quickly regain its pace after the Nations League window, but Chivu’s staff have been handed a valuable few days to rebuild options rather than simply wait for the international players to come home.
