Former Italy national team manager Marcello Lippi has praised Inter midfielder Nicolo Barella on the back of an impressive display against Turkey in the Azzurri’s 3-0 win against Turkey in their Euro 2020 opener.
Lippi, who won the World Cup with the Azzurri in 2006, spoke to Italian broadcaster Sky Sport Italia yesterday afternoon, where he gave his thoughts about the special qualities that Barella brings to the national team.
Lippi notes that there are different qualities which can make a player shine in international tournaments compared to performing at club level.
This is not to say that Barella has not also put in highly praiseworthy performances in Nerazzurri colours during his two seasons at the club, but rather to highlight how the context of an international tournament like the European Championship frames his dynamic style of play in a particular way.
Lippi won five scudetti and a Champions League trophy with Juventus in addition to his 2006 triumph while in charge of the national team.
Lippi described Barella as follows:
“I fell in love with Barella’s football. He is the player who best interprets international football; he attacks, he runs, fits in all over the pitch, scores goals in many ways, and always lends a hand recovering balls.”
“He is a complete international footballer,” Lippi continued, “I believe that this will be confirmed at the European Championship.”
