Former Inter midfielder Nicola Berti has said that Nicolo Barella should be substituted less and said he cannot be criticised, according to a report in the Italian media today.
Speaking during an interview with Corriere della Sera, Nicola Berti was discussing the fact that Simone Inzaghi chose to substitute Nicolo Barella in the 65th minute in the Coppa Italia against AC Milan on Tuesday.
Nicola Berti spoke out in defence of the young midfielder who he thinks is actually taken off the pitch too regularly for a player of his quality.
“You can’t criticise Barella, there are no doubts about him, only certainties. Maybe he’s just getting nervous because he is often replaced. Frankly, I don’t understand certain decisions, someone like this must remain on the pitch until the end of the match.
“If he always played he would be a Ballon d’Or player in the last six months. He’s going through a difficult time, that’s all. He just needs to take a breather.”
Nicolo Barella is regularly touted as the future captain of the Inter team and Nicolo Berti is in agreement with this notion given the player’s natural leadership qualities.
“Of course, he has to do it. His teammates follow him, he’s a natural leader.”
As far as Nicola Berti is concerned the problem lies further up the pitch with players like Lautaro Martinez who are not finding the net regularly enough to help Inter win.
“If anything, the problem is ahead, Lautaro is worrying. For Inter the next three league games are vital as they must score not nine but 10 points, in the sense that they have to win and convince, so they can leave the controversy behind.”
