Nicolo Barella is the symbol of Antonio Conte’s Inter side, the Nerazzurri’s former defender Nicolas Burdisso argued today.
Barella starred in last night’s Derby d’Italia victory over Juventus at San Siro, setting up Arturo Vidal’s opening goal before adding the second to secure a 2-0 win.
He is an ever-present figure in Conte’s 3-5-2 system and Burdisso, who last worked as a sporting director for Boca Juniors, thinks the pair are a perfect match.
“I think the biggest change made in Barella’s performances recently is him being able to play as a mezzala,” Burdisso told Sky Sport Italia.
“When Conte was using the two midfielders and a trequartista earlier in the season, he had to cover spaces that he was not used to covering and therefore he was lost.
“Conte’s mezzalas are like knives, I always struggled playing against them and now I’m analysing the game from the outside I can see how they’re always involved in the play.
“Barella is trademark of Conte’s Inter team.
“Alessandro Bastoni will also provide more assists from now on in my opinion.”
The former Argentine national team player was then asked whether he would have been prouder to have built this Inter side or the current Juventus team.
“They are two completely different teams.
“Juve have chosen a new coach, with a great past as a footballer while Inter, on the other hand, have strengthened an already very strong team with a great transfer market.
“In terms of the technical project, they are two different things.
“Conte has a great deal of experience, especially at high levels and this helps a lot when you have to make important decisions.
“This gives him an advantage over Andrea Pirlo.”
Burdisso, who spent five years with Inter between 2004 and 2009, then admitted that he thinks Inter are close to being exactly the way that Conte want them to be.
“I would say that we are close.
“In the past, Conte’s teams have shown themselves ready to reach the objectives.
“For many years, then, they have continued with these principles and this character.”
Burdisso then expressed his opinion on Inter and Chilean national team central midfielder Vidal, who has scored two goals in his last two games.
“I think that all players have to deal with age, especially when you are at the highest level, but he continues to score despite getting on a bit.
“He is a player who never suffers from bad moments.
“In big games he is always present and Inter need other players too but his heart helps, along with his goals.
“He has a certain way of being on the pitch, where he always gives everything.”