Inter Milan talisman Nicolo Barella failed to meet his high standard in last night’s dramatic home win over Serie A strugglers Lecce.

According to the Italian media via L’Interista, the diminutive midfielder seems to have run out of steam amid a brutal fixture schedule.

Nicolo Barella has been one of Inter’s midfield cornerstones this season, making 20 league appearances while picking up six assists.

Furthermore, he captained the Nerazzurri in yesterday’s clash at San Siro as Lautaro Martinez started the game on the bench.

Nicolo Barella Falters in Inter Milan 1-0 Lecce Win

Nicolo Barella Inter Milan
MILAN, ITALY – DECEMBER 09: Nicolo Barella of FC Internazionale Milano during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD6 match between FC Internazionale Milano and Liverpool FC at Stadio San Siro on December 09, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Barella had a rare night off, struggling to impose himself and influence the game as he normally does.

Indeed, his passes frequently lacked precision, while none of his crosses tested Lecce’s defense or created clear-cut chances.

More concerningly, Barella was missing the sharpness and dynamism that have defined his performances this season.

With Hakan Calhanoglu on the sidelines, he was supposed to be Inter’s driving force in the engine room.

However, nothing went his way last night.