Legendary former Inter defender Beppe Bergomi feels that if he is sometimes critical of Nicolo Barella, it is just because the 25-year-old has proven how good he can be when he’s at his best.
Speaking to Italian broadcaster Sky Sport Italia, Bergomi suggested that the 25-year-old needs to be spurred on to perform at his best because of how important his performances can be for the team.
Barella has only seemed to grow in importance for Inter since joining the team from Cagliari in 2019.
The 25-year-old has become more well-rounded and proved how much he can impact matches.
At the same time, however, finding consistency has become an issue for Barella.
This has especially been the case over the past couple seasons, as tiredness and mental distraction seem to have kept the midfielder from performing at his best from match to match.
In Bergomi’s view, this would not be such a concern for a lesser midfielder, but for Barella it is a shame to see him not at his best.
The former defender remarked that “I’m not going to criticize Gagliardini, I criticize the best players like Barella, whom I praise today because he was decisive, he showed me a great performance in Barcelona and then again [against Salernitana.]”
“These are the players who decide matches,” he continued. “If his attitude is right, he’s decisive.”
Bergomi also spoke about how Inter have turned around their poor early season form, stating that “From what I know, the players met and spoke amongst themselves, without the coach, they had a frank confrontation.”
“It was incredibly important for Inter to rediscover that spirit and enthusiasm,” Bergomi added, “they can’t lose four matches so early.”
