England legend Stuart Pearce hails Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella as the one Italy player he would love to take for the Three Lions.
Barella has developed into an indispensable player for the Azzurri in recent years. Few doubt that he will be a key player for Luciano Spalletti’s men at Euro 2024.
Ahead of the finals, which kick off next week, Stuart Pearce spoke exclusively with The Italian Football Podcast at an event hosted by BoyleSports, who offer the latest Euro 2024 betting.
Asked which Italy player he would like to have in England’s team, the former Euro 1992 and Euro 1996 star chose Barella.
Stuart Pearce – “I Would Take Barella For England”
What did Stuart Peace say?
“[If I could pick one Italy player for the England team], it would have to be Barella,” Pearce said.
“He is the standout player, there’s no doubt about that.
“To have a major impact on a finals, you have to have a standout player. One who is considered world class. And he is.
“With him in the ranks he certainly gives Italy a better chance of going far into the tournament.
“He would be the standout player from Italy I would take for England.
“But he would also come into a clutch of players who England have that are very strong as well# Pearce added.
In conclusion Pearce stated: “You’ve got Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden who many nations would love to take.”
Barella has won 53 caps for the Italy national team, scoring nine goals in the process. He was a key player for the Azzurri as they won Euro 2020 three years ago.
There is not much expectation this summer of Italy retaining their title, especially following a succession of injuries with Francesco Acerbi, Giorgio Scalvini, Domenico Berardi, Nicolo Zaniolo and Sandro Tonali (betting ban) all ruled out.
Italy open their Euro 2024 campaign against Albania on June 15.
