Inter Milan midfielder Davide Frattesi sent a message ahead of the Milan derby with his performance for Italy against Ukraine.

This is the suggestion of today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews.

Frattesi was Italy’s shining light in a 2-1 win over Ukraine in yesterday evening’s EURO 2024 qualifier.

The 23-year-old scored both the Azzurri’s goals. And that was really only the tip of the iceberg as far as what Frattesi gave to the team.

Compared to the lineup that had drawn limply with North Macedonia in Luciano Spalletti’s first ever match as Italy coach, the team looked sharper, with more direct penetration.

Frattesi was the key player to this aspect.

The Inter midfielder brought physicality, pace, positional sense, and surging runs from deeper areas into midfield.

This was key to balancing the Azzurri’s midfield – including with his Inter teammate Nicolo Barella.

Davide Frattesi Sends Milan Derby Message With Stellar Display For Italy

Now it’s over to Frattesi’s coach at club level, Simone Inzaghi.

What looks clear one way or another is that the Inter coach still is not going to start Frattesi in the derby against AC Milan on Saturday.

So far this season, the coach has relied on Henrikh Mkhitaryan in midfield. The Armenian’s experience and knowledge of the tactical system has meant that he has still held down his role.

Inzaghi’s plan looks to be clear. He’s beginning the season by relying on players he knows well and trusts, and then waiting to start giving summer signings their chances to start.

Frattesi has only played from the bench so far.

That will change soon, particularly with the fixture list getting congested. But no against Milan.

But Frattesi’s message could still reach Inzaghi.

In Inter’s first three matches of the season, the 47-year-old has only thrown Frattesi on once his team have virtually wrapped up the win.

Against Milan, however, Inzaghi will know the option that he has in his back pocket.

If Inter need a boost in the midfield battle, the coach may not hesitate to give Frattesi more than just a cameo appearance.