The outcome of the midfield battle between Inter Milan’s Nicolo Barella and AC Milan’s Sandro Tonali could be decisive tonight.
This is the view in today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews.
Last weekend, Inter got the better of the midfield battle against city rivals AC Milan in a Champions League semifinal first leg.
This was a key factor in the Nerazzurri securing a 2-0 win to give themselves a big advantage heading into this evening’s second leg.
Excellent performances from Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Hakan Calhanoglu played a role in Inter’s superiority. However, at the heart of the Nerazzurri’s performance in midfield was Barella, argues the Gazzetta.
The 26-year-old covered an enormous amount of ground. And with his technical ability, first touch, and passing, Barella set the tempo all over the pitch.
Moreover, the former Cagliari midfielder set up Roberto Gagliardini for an excellent chance to score a third late in the match.
Barella Vs Tonali At The Heart Of Inter Vs AC Milan
Barella’s Italian international teammate Tonali didn’t fair so well on Wednesday evening.
The ex-Brescia midfielder was not really able to put his stamp on proceedings as he often does.
Tonali did nevertheless manage to hit the post with a stinging effort from range in the second half.
If the Rossoneri are to turn things around, they’ll need a big performance from their main man in midfield. Tonali will need to arrive at balls before his Inter opposite number and be sharper in his passing.
If the 23-year-old has a better match tonight then he did in the first leg, then Inter could find containing the Rossoneri a different proposition.
On the other hand, another mediocre performance from Tonali would likely be fatal for Milan. If Barella gets the better of the pair’s duel once again, then Inter can overrun their city rivals centrally.
