An utterly pointless red card against Napoli was a “parting gift” Inter Milan midfielder Roberto Gagliardini.
This is the scathingly sarcastic assessment of the 29-year-old’s performance at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona in today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews.
Gagliardini won’t have too many opportunities to contribute to the Inter cause.
The former Atalanta man is set to depart this summer, ending a six and a half year spell in a Nerazzurri shirt.
However, Gagliardini could have had an important role to play. A combination of injuries in midfield and a punishing fixture list means that the Nerazzurri will need contributions from everyone, including the 29-year-old, over the season run-in.
Gagliardini gave his teammates extra running to do by getting sent off yesterday, however. The midfielder also ruled himself out of next weekend’s clash with Atalanta.
This will likely mean that key starters are called into action just a few days after the Coppa Italia final against Fiorentina.
Gagliardini’s sending-off against the Partenopei has given Simone Inzaghi and Inter a major headache at the worst possible time. This is hardly what Inzaghi will have hoped for from the 29-year-old at a moment when he needs everyone’s contribution.
Napoli Red Card One Of Roberto Gagliardini’s Final Actions For Inter Milan
This will mean that Gagliardini has just three more matches in which to make an impact for Inter.
There have been ups and downs for the midfielder since joining from Atalanta in January of 2017. However, for the Gazzetta the latter have outnumbered the former.
The 29-year-old could have ended things positively by giving energy and a steady presence at a frantic period in the season.
Even if Gagliardini will never be a starting-quality player in this Inter team, his bridging the gap during this run-in could be important as the Nerazzurri fight for silverware and a top four spot in Serie A.
Getting himself sent off pointlessly, however, is hardly the way for Gagliardini to do that.
Ex-Atalanta Midfielder Linked With Serie A & Premier League Clubs
As far as Gagliardini’s next club, there are several suitors for the 29-year-old.
Torino have been persistently interested in his signature. Lazio and Monza are also reportedly keen on signing Gagliardini on a free transfer.
Meanwhile, Premier League team Nottingham Forest were reportedly after Gagliardini during last January transfer window.
