Former Inter midfielder Angelo Orlando feels that current Nerazzurri player Nicolo Barella has not shown the level that he’s needed to in recent weeks.
Speaking to Italian news outlet ItaSportPress.it, the 56-year-old suggested that Barella’s drop-off form has played a role in the overall decline by the team, and also gave his thoughts on possible summer transfer business.
Barella has been one of the Nerazzurri’s key players in the centre of the park virtually since his arrival from Cagliari during the summer of 2019.
The 25-year-old started this season off very well, continuing to show the form that had made him a key player in last season’s Scudetto triumph, as well as in Italy’s triumph at the Euros.
However, his energy levels and ability to impact matches have looked to have been flagging in many of his recent performances, and Orlando feels that he is not quite the presence that he’s become accustomed to.
“The defensive side of the game has worsened drastically,” he said of Inter’s run of poor form. “This is worrying. Then, if you are Inter, you can’t be dropping points against Genoa and Sassuolo.”
“Obviously with all due respect for the Ligurians and the Emilians,” he added.
On the lack of Marcelo Brozovic in recent matches he said, “Sure, but it doesn’t have to be an excuse. For example, Barella is European champion. Lately he has dropped off. I expected more from him in the run-in.”
He then spoke about the possibility of Inter signing Paulo Dybala, stating that “I could see him doing very well, but I have one doubt – how is Dybala’s physical condition?”
He added that “If Juve send him away, it’s because there is something wrong from that point of view.”
“Dybala is a player of great quality,” he went on, “one of the best around. He could provide the spark in a duo with Dzeko, or with Lautaro. Or even with both in a three-pronged attack. Good players don’t find it hard to fit in.”
Orlando also suggested that the Nerazzurri should sign Torino defender Bremer who he characterized as “one of the best defenders in Serie A.”
He closed by stating that “Inter must have players who are right for Inter. We need to thin out the squad so that we can make a great singing. For example, I’d think about a return for Lukaku.”
