Former AC Milan and Italy coach Arrigo Sacchi says he has never seen someone improve quite like Inter midfielder Nicolo Barella has.
Barella starred in Sunday’s Derby d’Italia win over Juventus and was linked with Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid earlier this week, albeit he is thought to be keen on staying with the Nerazzurri.
In an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport, which appeared in Tuesday’s print edition, Sacchi, who previously worked as a co-ordinator for the Italian Football Federation’s youth sector, recalled when he and Barella first crossed paths and how things have changed since then.
“Barella arrived at Coverciano as one of the smallest and least technically gifted players,” he remarked.
“But he is a warrior full of determination.
“He is humble, he remembers his mistakes and has a desire to correct them.
“Nicolo had humility and passion, the two things I was looking for in my players, long before he had good feet.”
He went on to explain: “I’ve never seen anyone improve like Barella.
“Today he has exceptional technique as seen by the assist to Arturo Vidal and his goal where he put the ball where he wanted it, which was the only point of the goal where the goalkeeper could not reach it.”
Barella is halfway through his second season as an Inter player and has grown hugely compared to the player that arrived at Inter 18 months ago from Cagliari.
The 23-year-old has cemented himself as one of the best midfielders in Italy as well as in Europe with his performances of late having earned him plenty of rave reviews.
This season Barella has made 25 appearances across all competitions for Inter, who he is under contract with until 2024.
He has scored two goals and provided eight assists while out on the pitch for Antonio Conte’s side.
