Inter midfielder Nicolo Barella put in a solid performance during Italy’s 3-0 win against Switzerland, but did not show all that he is capable of, according to player ratings in Italian media.
The 24-year-old played most of the match before being replaced by Roma’s Bryan Cristante in the 87th minute and was a part of an impressive team performance, but according to Italian media his contributions were not the most vital.
The Nerazzurri midfielder had been expected to play a major role for the Azzurri going into the tournament, and so far it is clear that he is considered a vital part of Italy manager Roberto Mancini’s plans.
Barella started yesterday’s match alongside Chelsea’s Jorginho and Sassuolo’s Manuel Locatelli, with the latter bagging a brace scoring in both halves.
The Italy player ratings in today’s print edition of Rome-based newspaper Corriere dello Sport give Barella a score of 6, stating:
“Less convincing than usual. [Swiss midfielder Granit] Xhaka got on the ball easily and played without much trouble. [Barella] got the assist for Locatelli’s second goal.”
Turin-based newspaper Tuttosport gave the Inter player a rating of 6.5 in today’s print edition, with their appraisal being as follows:
“He runs, overlaps, drops deep and tackles, and also finds time to shout at the referee after a throw-in given to the Swiss.”