Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella has won praise for his “moments of genius” as Italy beat Ecuador in a friendly match.
Today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews, name the 27-year-old Nerazzurri man as the Azzurri’s outstanding player in the 2-0 victory.
Barella started in midfield for Italy in yesterday’s match.
The former Cagliari midfielder took up a role alongside Arsenal’s Jorginho in the engine room. The pair played just behind attacking midfielders Nicolo Zaniolo and Lorenzo Pellegrini in a 3-4-2-1 formation.
And it was Barella who was really Italy’s creative spark all match.
The Gazzetta praise Barella for his willingness to attempt risky and difficult skills in order to get his team up the pitch.
There was one nervy moment as a result of that. Barella attempted an audacious backheel in his own penalty area which allowed Ecuador’s Moises Caicedo to have an effort at goal.
But overall, the spirit of Barella’s performance embodied everything positive that Luciano Spalletti’s team did.
Nicolo Barella Earns Praise For Creative Spark In Italy Win Vs Ecuador
There was “laser pointer” through-ball for wingback Raoul Bellanova that the Gazzetta highlight. That created one of Italy’s most dangerous attacks.
And then there was Barella’s goal.
The Inter midfielder had the energy to burst forward from midfield in the final minute of stoppage time.
Barella’s scooped finish proved to be a perfect moment of quality and inspiration to wrap up the win for Italy.
Meanwhile, the Gazzetta also praise Matteo Darmian for his display.
The 34-year-old linked up well with former Inter teammate Bellanova.
As the wingback got forward frequently, Darmian interpreted his wide centre-back role well. He knew when and where to push forward and support the wingback.
Then when Giovanni Di Lorenzo came on, Darmian played a more reserved position, sticking to his task well.
