Inter Milan midfielder Davide Frattesi is continuing to get his chances in the Champions League despite a bit-part role in Serie A so far.

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

Frattesi arrived at Inter during the summer for a significant transfer fee.

And considering the quality of the 24-year-old’s performances with Sassuolo and with the Italian national team, the expectations on the midfielder were quite high.

A settling-in process always looked to be inevitable.

But at the same time, Frattesi seemingly had the quality to establish himself as a regular starter in his first season.

But so far, that’s not been the case.

As the Gazzetta notes, to date Frattesi has played just 302 minutes for Inter in Serie A.

The reason for this is not hard to understand. The likes of Nicolo Barella and Henrikh Mkhitaryan have proven very tough to dislodge from their spots.

Barella has been a key starter for Inter since his arrival in 2019.

And Mkhitaryan didn’t take long to stake his claim upon joining on a free transfer from Roma last summer.

Davide Frattesi Gets Chances in Champions League Despite Limited Role In Serie A

Frattesi has made just one start in Serie A. That was in a win away to Empoli in September.

But in the Champions League, it has been a different story.

The Italian international has started in each of the Nerazzurri’s past three matches in the competition.

And Frattesi has proven his worth. He helped the team to two victories over Red Bull Salzburg, including by winning the penalty from which Inter scored the winner at the San Siro.

And Frattesi scored a well-taken goal as part of Inter’s second half comeback to draw 3-3 away at Benfica last time around.

The 24-year-old did not start against Udinese in the league over the weekend.

Nor did he even come off the bench.

But Nerazzurri coach Simone Inzaghi’s plan looked to be clear. He is keeping Frattesi fresh so that he can make an optimal impact this evening against Real Sociedad.

Once again, the ex-Sassuolo midfielder will get the chance to shine in Eruope.