Midfielder Nicolo Barella could have a key tactical role for Inter Milan in beating the high press of Genoa in this evening’s Serie A clash.
This is the view in today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews.
Even though Genoa are only just back in Serie A after having won promotion last season, they are not a team to be underestimated.
The Ligurians have already claimed some big scalps. They have beaten both Lazio and Roma.
And just a couple weeks ago, they held Juventus to a draw at their home stadium – a fate Napoli had already suffered.
A key facet of Genoa’s fairly positive start to the season has been an emphasis on an aggressive press in midfield.
Whilst this is not an easy approach to employ, the Rossoblu have done so with the right balance.
And negotiating that press could be the factor that determines whether or not Inter can keep their winning run in the league going.
Nicolo Barella Key To Inter Beating Genoa High Press
One of the main elements that has made Genoa’s press relatively successful this season has been their ability to control opposition midfielders.
Particularly the holding midfielder has been a target of the Grifone’s attention.
That means that Inter can expect tight marking on Hakan Calhanoglu.
The Turk is vital to how Inter play in possession. It is his technical ability and passing range that give the Nerazzurri their buildup phase.
So if Genoa go all-in on restricting Calhanoglu’s influence, Inter will need a different player to pick up the slack.
And that could end up being Barella.
The 26-year-old put in an outstanding performance in last weekend’s Serie A win over Lecce.
Barella scored in that match. He looked dangerous in the final third just as much as influential in deep midfield.
But it could be in the latter role that Barella is most important against Genoa, the Gazzetta argue.
