Former Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini has said that Inter did something extraordinary against Barcelona and he labelled Nicolo Barella as one of the best midfielders in Europe, according to a report in the Italian broadcast media.
Speaking to Sky Sport Italia after Wednesday night’s Champions League fixtures, via FCInternews, the Italian defender had a lot of praise for both Napoli and Inter.
Napoli beat Ajax 4-2 and confirmed their place in the Round of 16, whilst Inter took a big step with a 3-3 draw against Barcelona.
“The evening was beautiful, Napoli continue to put on a show and Inter also did something extraordinary.
“Yesterday instead, two bad games: Juventus very bad, AC Milan with unfavourable moments but both had bad nights.”
He was asked about Gerard Pique’s poor movement for the Nicolo Barella goal and that led him to pay a huge complement to the Inter midfielder.
“He didn’t notice Barella’s movement, something they’ve been doing since Conte’s time, with Bastoni finding him well thanks to his pass.
“Nicolò had already had an extraordinary first half, when he keeps those rhythms, without stopping for a moment, he is among the best midfielders in Europe.”
Samir Handanovic appears to no longer be the number one goalkeeper at Inter and Giorgio Chiellini was asked how hard it is for older players to take a step back.
“A lot. But if you realise you can be useful, maybe in a different way, maybe as a daily reference point for your teammates.
“Age must be fought but also accepted, you can be important even playing less.
“It just has to be accepted and understood, if Handanovic really said certain things to the team it shows great maturity.”
There was also compliments for Lautaro Martinez who got Inter’s second goal: “The attack on goal and the movement inside the area are incredible.
“But also aerial ability, technique. He is a complete player, when he is fit he becomes decisive.
“In Europe, with some extra space, he is often decisive. Congratulations to Inter and Zanetti, they discovered an extraordinary player almost as a child.”
He is unsure if the Argentine plays better with Romelu Lukaku though: “Does Lautaro play better with Lukaku or with Dzeko? I don’t know, I’m curious to see if he will benefit from having Lukaku next to him.”
