Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella has earned praise for his performance for Italy against North Macedonia, despite the 1-1 draw.

Today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews, give the 26-year-old the highest score of any Azzurri player in the player ratings for the EURO 2024 qualifier.

Yesterday, the Italian national team began a new era.

For the first time, ex-Napoli, Inter, and Roma coach Luciano Spalletti took charge of a competitive fixture for the Azzurri.

And in truth, it was not the note on which Spalletti and Italy will have wanted to start.

Italy dominated the ball against a technically inferior North Macedonia side. That did not come as much of a surprise.

But Spalletti’s men struggled to fashion many telling chances.

Lazio captain Ciro Immobile found the back of the net early in the second half. But then in the 81st minute of the match, Trabzonspor midfielder Enis Bardhi equalized.

Spalletti and Italy have to settle for a point which leaves them three points behind Ukraine in their qualifying group, albeit with a game in hand.

Nicolo Barella Praised For Italy Display Despite Disappointing Draw Vs North Macedonia

Three Inter player started against North Macedonia.

Both of defender Alessandro Bastoni and wingback Federico Dimarco lined up as part of the Azzurri’s back four.

The Gazzetta give both of the pair a 6/10 score. They did not commit any major errors, and did show their quality in possession.

But neither of the Nerazzurri pair could lift Italy to a more incisive or clinical attacking performance.

On the other hand, the Gazzetta single out the performance by Inter midfielder Barella.

The former Cagliari man put in a typical all-action display in the centre of the pitch.

More than Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali or Roma’s Bryan Cristante, Barella looked like a player who can thrive in this new-look Italy team under Spalletti.