Midfielder Nicolo Barella feels that it’s a point of pride to play for Inter Milan, and to fight for trophies.
Speaking in the official matchday programme for this evening’s Coppa Italia final against Fiorentina, the 25-year-old opened up on what playing for the Nerazzurri means to him on a personal level.
Barella joined Inter in the summer of 2019 from Cagliari.
When the young midfielder joined the Nerazzurri, he was already regarded as one of Italian football’s top talents in his age group.
However, Barella was far from the finished article when he joined. The Italian’s performances for the Rossoblu showed what he could become, but not yet that he was already there.
Since joining Inter, however, Barella has taken a big leap.
The 26-year-old has now won the Serie A title, the Coppa Italia, and two Supercoppa Italiana trophies, in addition to the Euros with Italy.
Now, Barella has the chance to win another Coppa Italia title – and later next month, the Champions League.
Nicolo Barella: Proud To Play For Inter Milan
“It hasn’t been an easy path,” Barella said of reaching this evening’s final. “There also been difficult moments, like in the first match against Parma which went to extra time.”
“As has happened throughout the season, teamwork has allowed us to keep going towards our goals,” Barella continued.
“We were convinced of ourselves, and aware that we could go all the way to this competition.”
Asked what he’d like to go back and tell his younger self, Barella replied “He was right to believe in his dreams!”
“Winning wearing this shirt, and having the chance to play on the biggest stage, is a source of great pride for me,” he continued. “I’ve always said so.”
“When I take to the pitch I try to give my all to be able to help the team and my teammates,” Barella said.
“I think the group is what makes the difference,” he continued. “Even in the toughest moments, we stuck together because we knew that if everyone continued to give that little bit extra, the results would come. And so it’s proved.”
And of what facing this Fiorentina team will be like, Barella said that “Fiorentina are a quality team. They have excellent players.”
“If they’ve reached the final, it’s because they showed something more than their other opponents.”
“We know it won’t be an easy match,” Barella said of this evening’s final. “But we’ll go out onto the pitch to win and bring home the trophy.”
