After netting in their 2-0 win over Fiorentina yesterday, Inter’s Nicolo Barella has been labelled Italy’s best midfielder by Italian journalist Fabio Caressa.
The 23-year-old took his tally to three for the season as he curled in a stunning effort on the half-hour mark at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, before Ivan Perisic netted to send Inter top of the Serie A table.
Speaking to Italian radio station Radio Deejay earlier today, Caressa claimed that Barella’s current form made him the best option in the middle for Azzurri coach Roberto Mancini, whilst also criticising fellow midfielder Arturo Vidal.
“Barella is the best Italian midfielder by some distance,” Caressa declared. “He has improved his understanding and is picking up half as many yellow cards.
“In this regard he has matured, as before he was a bit like Vidal and had no control. Yesterday he was far more cautious after he had been warned by the referee.
“The team has improved a lot but I still have doubts and Vidal is unable to make the leap forward to meet the necessary level.”
Barella joined Inter from Cagliari on an initial loan in 2019, before making the move permanent last summer. The midfielder helped the Nerazzurri reach the Europa League Final last season, as well as battle for the Scudetto this term.
Having made his Italy debut in a friendly against Ukraine in October 2018, Barella has gone on to earn 18 caps for the Azzurri, scoring four goals.
