They can’t accept it: rival fans still downplay Inter — even Dimarco’s MVP turns into “controversy”

Inter can win trophies, set records, and sweep end-of-season awards—and still, there will be people determined to explain why it “doesn’t count.”

That’s the reality of being the standard.

This week’s example is as predictable as it is telling: Federico Dimarco is officially Serie A’s MVP (Best Overall) for 2025/26, confirmed by Lega Serie A announcement. Yet the reaction in certain rival corners—especially from Juventus-leaning and Milan-leaning communities online—has been less “congratulations” and more cope.

The narrative: “Dimarco MVP means Serie A is falling off”

Juventus fans account clip circulating on TikTok (shared and debated on social media) pushes the usual line: that Dimarco winning MVP is somehow evidence the league’s quality is dropping.

It’s not analysis. It’s bias dressed up as a hot take.

Because if we’re being serious for two seconds, Dimarco’s season wasn’t some vibes-only popularity contest. It was production—historic production—from a role that usually doesn’t get rewarded like this.

Inter note that Dimarco delivered six goals and a record 18 assists in the league campaign—numbers that helped drive the Scudetto-winning machine and ultimately earned the MVP nod. Inter.it

Stats don’t care about club tribalism

What makes the “he didn’t deserve it” argument even funnier is that the data profile behind Dimarco’s year looks like something you normally associate with elite creators—not a wide defender.

Different platforms will count and define chance-creation slightly differently, but the direction is consistent: Dimarco sits among the very best chance-creators, not just in Italy, but in the wider European context. For example, StatMuse lists him among Europe’s top “big chances created” producers this season. StatMuse

And yes—graphics being shared online have even placed his creative output in conversations that include peak Messi seasons in the same category. Whether you love that comparison or hate it, the point is simple: Dimarco didn’t “steal” an MVP. He forced the conversation with output.

Why the hate doesn’t stop (and why it actually proves Inter’s position)

When Inter are dominating, rival fans often have only two options:

1. Admit Inter were the best.

2. Move the goalposts.

So you get the same recycled talking points:

• “It’s easier because he’s in a strong team” (as if that disqualifies excellence)

• “Serie A must be weak” (as if European football hasn’t watched Inter perform for years)

• “A defender can’t be MVP” (as if football hasn’t evolved beyond 2003)

Dimarco being the first defender to land the seasonal MVP is exactly the kind of thing you’d expect in modern football—where chance creation, progression, and tactical value are decisive.

Inter didn’t just win. Inter changed the frame.

And the loudest complaints? They’re not proof the award was wrong. They’re proof Inter are the reference point now.