Ex-Inter Midfielder Nicola Berti On Milan Derby: “It Will Be Nicolo Barella’s Match, I Expect A Lot From Him”

Former Inter midfielder Nicola Berti has said that he thinks Nicolo Barella will be the key player in the Derby della Madonnina on Saturday night, according to a report in the Italian media.

Speaking during an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, Nicola Berti explained that the midfield of Inter will be too strong for AC Milan to handle and Nicolo Barella in particular will work hard because he cannot play against Liverpool in the Champions League.

“I bet everything on Barella. He is a force of nature, one of those that inflame the public and always travel at a frenzied pace. It will be his match, I expect a lot from him.

“Also because he will not play against Liverpool, so he will want to break the world. I would not be surprised if Pioli paid more attention to him than to Brozovic, but it would be of little use. Saturday Barella will give us emotions.”

It is not just Nicolo Barella that Nicola Berti has faith in, he appears to be confident that AC Milan will not be able to create many chances at all in the game.

“Honestly, I see few chances for Milan, Inzaghi’s midfield is too strong and close-knit. Barella, Brozovic and Calhanoglu play as if they have known each other for a lifetime.

“Kessié and above all Tonali are two uncomfortable customers, but those three move as if on a chessboard: they bring such intensity and harmony into it that I doubt Milan can stand up to comparison.

“Simone has nothing to fear. Pioli can try to asphyxiate Brozovic by putting a mastiff like Kessie on him, but in that case it would free up space for Barella and Calhanoglu. Honestly, I don’t see how Pioli can neutralize the Inter midfield.”

One player that Nicola Berti did pick out for praise from AC Milan was young midfielder Sandro Tonali who he thinks plays with much more maturity than you would expect for a player of his age.

“He is the tip of the balance of this Milan. And then he is someone who wears low socks like Berti, someone who has a certain style. Joking aside, he is 21 years old but he plays with the experience and wisdom of an impressive 31-year-old.”