Inter midfielder Nicolo Barella’s standout performance in the 2-0 win over Fiorentina on Friday was the latest in a series of displays that has seen his value shoot up, Italian media claim.

The 24-year-old netted the opener with a curling effort from outside the box on the half-hour mark at the Stadio Artemio Franchi, as he continued his good form in the middle for the Nerazzurri. Ivan Perisic later doubled the advantage to send Inter top of the Serie A table.

However, it was Barella who claimed the plaudits, as reported in today’s newspaper edition of La Gazzetta dello Sport, as he drew comparisons to former Brazil captain Dunga and ex-AC Milan and Fiorentina star Manuel Rui Costa.

The newspaper also suggested that Barella had a combination of the skills of English duo Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard, with the Sardinian’s value continuing to rise with every good performance.

Barella joined Inter from Cagliari on an initial loan in 2019, before the deal was made permanent last summer for €45m. However, La Gazzetta dello Sport suggested that his worth was far greater after such a strong season and was rising above €70m.