Midfielder Nicolo Barella can be Inter’s talisman in midfield ahead of their Serie A clash with Napoli next week.

This according to today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews, who suggest that the 25-year-old could inherit the mantle of former Nerazzurri greats Nicola Berti and Lothar Matthaus.

Berti and Matthaus had been Inter’s two main midfielders when the team came back in the Serie A title race during the 1988-89 season.

The pair were instrumental in a comeback in the Scudetto race over Diego Maradona’s iconic Napoli team.

Another comeback is needed in the Serie A title race against another seemingly runaway Napoli side.

Accordingly, an inheritor to the mantle of Berti and Matthaus would be of immense help to the Nerazzurri as they look to chip away at the Partenopei’s advantage.

For the Gazzetta, Barella is the right man to step into this role.

The former Cagliari midfielder’s broad skillset, endless energy, and increasing proficiency in the final third and in front of goal make him as capable as any player in Serie A of having the decisive influence in the race for the Scudetto.