Marcello Lippi has been discussing the Italian national team ahead of the European Championship and believes Nicolo Barella will be a key player in the tournament, according to a report in the Italian media today.
Whilst speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the ex-Inter coach heaped praise upon the Sardinian midfielder Nicolo Barella ahead of the tournament.
“His time has come. I like how he plays, how he fights, how he runs. He is our star.”
One player from another country that Marcello Lippi clearly fears is Inter’s Romelu Lukaku, who will be lining up for Belgium this summer as their star striker. Should the Azzurri find themselves facing the Red Devils, Romelu Lukaku will find himself up against multiple teammates from Inter.
“If he plays like in Inter he will score repeatedly. He was the most decisive player ever in Serie A and the best Nerazzurri with Barella. Not just a striker, but the real point of reference for the game.”
Other than just Nicolo Barella, Marcello Lippi clearly has immense confidence in the Italian team as a whole. Roberto Mancini’s side are not outright favourites to win the tournament but many expect them to reach the latter stages and potentially cause some upsets along the way.
“These guys know how to win. They are aware of their strength, of their superiority. It is not presumption, but self-esteem.”
