Juventus sporting director Fabio Paratici told Nicolo Barella to leave Inter for Juventus last night, a leading Italian journalist has revealed.

Barella joined the Nerazzurri on loan with an obligation to buy in the summer of 2019 and has since become a key figure under Antonio Conte.

According to Maurizio Pistocchi, however, Paratici tried to sabotage his career with the Nerazzurri during Tuesday’s Derby d’Italia.

He tweeted: “In addition to the insults from the stands that triggered Conte’s angry reaction, there is more behind last night’s brawl at the Allianz Stadium.

“Lele Oriali and Conte knew that Paratici contacted Barella several times to convince him to break up with Inter and go to Juventus instead.”

Paratici was accused today of threatening to strike Oriali during a heated row at half-time of last night’s Derby d’Italia, although Juve moved swiftly to deny those claims.

Inter were knocked out of the Coppa Italia after being held to a 0-0 draw in their semi-final second leg.

Barella, who is under contract with Inter through to the end of the 2023-24 season and started last night, has made 31 appearances across all competitions this season, in which he has scored three goals and provided 10 assists.