Inter’s Nicolo Barella has received criticism in the Italian media for his performance for Italy in last night’s quarter-final against Spain at the Euros.
Despite progressing on penalties, the Azzurri were poor in the match and a large part of this was down to their inability to come to grips with La Roja in the midfield battle.
Barella was partially at fault for this, with the 24-year-old being one of the Italian midfielders who looked overrun at times, and in player ratings from the Italian media today the Inter player was cited for the reasons why his performance led to the Azzurri failing to really convince.
The Inter midfielder has mostly shone at the tournament, with performances full of energy and technical quality catching the eye of many observers, culminating in an impressive goal in the Azzurri’s 2-1 win over Belgium.
However, the appraisal is unanimous among major Italian newspapers that yesterday was not the 24-year-old’s night, with the player receiving middling scores and critical words in the player ratings given out to the Italian squad.
Milan-based Gazzetta dello Sport gave the player a 5.5/10, writing:
“Commitment but just as much confusion, and a couple of balls lost due to timidity. Did not stop [Spain midfielder Sergio] Busquets, did not engage him enough.”
From Rome-based Corriere dello Sport, another 5.5/10:
“The dribbling and rotations of the Spanish midfielders made him nervous. Pedri took away his reference and he had to mark Busquets. It was not his night.”
Turin-based Tuttosport gave the player a third 5.5/10, writing the following:
“He struggled to find his bearings, Pedri appeared and disappeared and was able to take advantage and show his full range. Barella didn’t, however, though at least he engaged the press against Busquets.”
