Inter midfielder Nicolo Barella was not at his best for the Italian national team in their draw against Switzerland yesterday and perhaps should not have started, according to Italian media.
The 24-year-old was given a middling 5.5/10 grade for his performance in the 2022 World Cup qualifier in the player ratings published in today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, who argue that he could have stood to have been given a rest given his recent fitness struggles.
Barella came off during the second half of last weekend’s derby draw against AC Milan for the Nerazzurri, indicating to the bench that he did not feel right to continue due to muscular fatigue.
Tests indicated that the midfielder was suffering from a minor thigh strain, although the issue was not serious.
Azzurri coach Roberto Mancini decided to start the Nerazzurri midfielder against Switzerland as he was ready to play, but his performance was not very impactful as he appeared to still be shaking off the injury and was substituted during the second half.
The Gazzetta note that the 24-year-old’s contribution was not up to his usual standard and question whether he should have played at all.
