In what has rapidly turned into one of the most tense off-field episodes of Inter Milan’s summer, defender Federico Dimarco has become the first Inter player to publicly speak out against Lautaro Martínez’s now-infamous interview – and he didn’t hold back.
The Argentine striker, Inter’s captain and fan-favorite, stunned fans and teammates alike last week with an unprompted and unusually candid interview where he appeared to throw shade at several teammates following Inter’s Champions League exit. But it was one comment in particular — seemingly aimed at Turkish midfielder Hakan Çalhanoğlu — that sparked outrage within the squad and among the Nerazzurri fanbase.
Now, Dimarco has broken the squad’s silence in an emotionally-charged media appearance that has only added fuel to the already raging fire inside the Inter locker room.
The Interview That Sparked It All
It all began when Lautaro Martínez, speaking to an Argentine media outlet, reflected on Inter’s bitter Champions League exit at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain. While most of the interview focused on tactics and motivation, his tone changed noticeably when asked about Inter’s midfield performance.
Without naming names, Lautaro said:
“Some players just didn’t show up. When it mattered, they were hiding. You expect leadership from certain people, but they disappeared.”
Though he didn’t directly mention Hakan Çalhanoğlu, most fans and analysts were quick to connect the dots. Çalhanoğlu, who had a poor game by his standards in that PSG clash and was substituted early, appeared to be the clear target of Lautaro’s frustration.
The backlash was instant. While Inter’s management kept a diplomatic silence, and players reportedly avoided direct confrontation, the atmosphere in the dressing room has reportedly been “icy” since the remarks aired.
Dimarco Breaks the Silence
But that silence was finally shattered today.
Speaking to Sky Italia after a pre-season training session, Federico Dimarco was asked about the squad’s chemistry following Lautaro’s comments. What followed was the most direct and confrontational response yet from within the Inter camp.
“Look, it’s not up to me to police what people say in interviews,” Dimarco said. “But if you’re going to wear the captain’s armband, you need to lift people up, not push them down. That interview hurt the team — and yes, it hurt Hakan.”
The 26-year-old left-back didn’t mince words.
“We win together and we lose together. That’s what we’ve always said. If someone has something to say to a teammate, they should say it in the dressing room, not in front of cameras. That’s not leadership. That’s not Inter.”
Dimarco, a boyhood Inter fan who rose through the club’s ranks, is considered one of the squad’s most passionate and emotionally invested players. His comments are believed to echo the sentiments of several other players, including Nicolo Barella and Alessandro Bastoni, both of whom are reportedly “disappointed” with Lautaro’s handling of the situation.
Inside the Dressing Room Fallout
According to reports from Gazzetta dello Sport, Çalhanoğlu was “visibly upset” when Lautaro’s interview was aired and has since kept a low profile during training. The Turkish international has not made any public comments, but sources close to the player say he felt “betrayed” by the implication that he lacked leadership or courage.
The dressing room is said to be divided, with some players privately supporting Lautaro’s right to speak his mind, while others — including Dimarco — are frustrated by what they see as a breach of dressing room code.
“Dimarco saying what he did publicly suggests that the rift is deeper than people think,” said journalist Fabrizio Biasin. “It’s rare for an Inter player to challenge the captain so directly in the media. This isn’t just about Hakan. It’s about trust, unity, and leadership.”
Management Response and Future Implications
Inter manager Cristian Chivu has so far refused to get drawn into the drama, offering only a curt “we handle things internally” when asked during a press conference. But the pressure is mounting. The club is about to embark on their pre-season tour of Asia, and the squad’s fractured dynamic could become a major problem if tensions aren’t resolved soon.
There are also whispers that Chivu is growing frustrated with Lautaro’s “volatile temperament” and is considering reshuffling the team’s leadership group.
Some fans have taken to social media demanding that Dimarco or Barella be considered for the captain’s armband next season, arguing that leadership at Inter should be “earned through example, not entitlement.”
A Club on Edge
While it may be too soon to talk about an outright dressing room civil war, the public nature of Dimarco’s comments has undeniably escalated the situation. Lautaro Martínez, for all his on-field brilliance and club loyalty, now finds himself under pressure not just to score goals — but to repair fractured relationships.
Federico Dimarco’s decision to speak out might prove to be a turning point. Whether it brings healing or deepens the divide remains to be seen. But one thing is clear — Inter Milan is a club currently battling not just external opponents, but internal demons as well.
And with the season fast approaching, the time to heal is running out.
