Inter midfielder Nicolo Barella will be hoping that he can hit an important milestone this evening as he prepares to face his “idol” Dejan Stankovic’s Sampdoria team in Serie A.

This is highlighted in today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews, who note that the 26-year-old can break his own record for goals in a season if he is to get on the scoresheet at the Marassi.

Former Inter and Lazio midfielder Stankovic has been cited as a particular inspiration by current Nerazzurri player Barella.

The 26-year-old has named the Serb as his “idol” and the player who he tries to model his well-rounded and high-energy style of play on.

Stankovic is now in charge of Sampdoria, who he will hope to guide to an improbable escape from Serie A’s relegation zone over the rest of the season.

For Barella, however, there is no question of coming up against his role model being something which could complicate his motivations.

The former Cagliari midfielder’s priority is of course Inter, whilst on a personal level, he can break his personal best record for goals scored in a single season.

Barella had scored six goals for the Rossoblu during the 2017-18 campaign, all in Serie A, and if he were to score against Sampdoria this evening, he will equal that in terms of his league total.

Taking all competitions into account, however, the 26-year-old would surpass that total, factoring his goal against Barcelona in the Champions League.

Barella has already scored against the Blucerchiati once this season, with his well-taken effort in a 3-0 victory at the San Siro perhaps the pick of the bunch for his goals scored for the Nerazzurri this season.

Now, the midfielder will be aiming to do so again away in Liguria, even if it means dealing another blow to an embattled coach whose exploits as a player have been a source of inspiration for him.