Federico Dimarco believes Inter will have six "main rivals" to their Serie A title defence in 2026-27.

Inter won their 21st Scudetto last season, finishing 11 points ahead of second-place Napoli in a comfortable title race.

Cristian Chivu became the fifth manager ever to win the league in his first season with Inter in Serie A, after Arpad Weisz in 1929-30, Alfredo Foni in 1952-53, Giovanni Invernizzi in 1970-71 (who took over the team in November) and Jose Mourinho in 2008-09.

And it was also a strong campaign from Dimarco; his 24 direct goal contributions (seven goals, 17 assists) last season are the most of any defender in the top five European leagues since data has been collected across all these tournaments (since 2006-07).

Dimarco insists Inter will never hide from their ambition of winning the top-flight title, but claimed they will have fiercer competition this time around.

"I see this Inter as in other years: a team that sets out to fight to win the Scudetto. We've never hidden from that, even when we didn't manage it in the past," said the full-back.

"I think all the teams start at the same level, though those not playing in the Champions League may have a small advantage, because that competition takes away a lot of energy.

"The main rivals will be Inter, [AC] Milan, Napoli, Juventus, Roma and Atalanta. Como are strengthening, too.

"There are many teams that can have their say across the whole season."

Inter will face the likes of Manchester City, Milan and Juventus in pre-season before the start of the 2026-27 Serie A.

Chivu's side begin their title defence at home to Monza on August 22, while they must also navigate tough fixtures against Napoli and Roma before the first international break.