Former Inter defender Marco Materazzi has said that he hopes Nicolo Barella can be the decisive player when Inter face Juventus on Sunday, according to a report in the Italian media today.
Speaking during an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport today, Marco Materazzi explained that Nicolo Barella is not in good form but if Inter win the title it is because of his endless running.
“I would be delighted if it were Barella. Now he is not in good form, but if we are up there it is because he took us with his endless running.”
Inter were in total command in the Serie A title race but now they find themselves relying on favours if they are to defend their crown.
Marco Materazzi believes that the slip that Marcelo Brozovic had in the derby against AC Milan and the eventual goal that came from it was the turning point in the campaign.
“The symbolic moment in which Inter lost their certainties was Brozovic’s slip in the derby. The ball went to Sanchez who, off balance, lost it, and Milan scored. From there, everything changed. It is as if something had died out. Fear has come, certainties have been lacking.”
When asked about the criticism that Inter have been receiving and whether it is fair, Marco Materazzi said that until that derby defeat, it was not fair.
“Not until the derby. Inter were in the ideal situation. Now Milan are moving forward with enthusiasm and others, like Inter, have stopped a bit.
“But the quality is there, the players are there, the coach too. The truth is that the great players can be seen in these moments.
“We can leave no stone unturned. The next two matches are difficult, Juve and Verona, but then the calendar can be better than the rivals.
“There is nothing to do but grow in the game, find security and motivation. This season, to be in the top four was the minimum requirement.”
Finally, it is clear that Marco Materazzi would welcome Paulo Dybala at Inter as when asked he said: “Uh, a lot!”.
