Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella will be keen to really get his season going against Benfica after an underwhelming start.
This is the view in today’s print edition of Rome-based newspaper Corriere dello Sport, via FCInterNews.
There can be little denying that, in terms of ability, Barella is one of Inter’s top players.
The 26-year-old’s versatility and well-rounded skillset arguably even make him the team’s star man.
And Barella has proven that with his performances over the past four seasons since joining Inter from Cagliari.
The Italian international has been a decisive influence in the midfield battle on a regular basis. And with each passing season, he has added more and more influence in the final third to his game.
Barella has managed to excel in every facet of the game from duels and tackles to goals and assists.
But at the start of this season, that hasn’t really been evident.
Inter Midfielder Nicolo Barella Aiming To Shake Off Poor Start To Season Vs Benfica
Barella did grab his first assist of the campaign over the weekend.
The 26-year-old assisted Lautaro Martinez’s second goal in a 4-0 win over Benfica.
But that was pretty much the lone highlight for the former Cagliari man.
It has not necessarily been a disastrous start for Barella. But Inter fans have come to expect a lot more from the 26-year-old.
Barella has not had a big influence in terms of moving the ball up the pitch.
Nor has he been as much of a defensive presence as he is capable of being.
Last season, Barella enjoyed two of his standout matches of the campaign against Benfica.
The Italian scored in both legs of a Champions League quarterfinal tie against the Portuguese champions.
Therefore, it’s only natural that Barella will be aiming to recapture that form starting this evening.
