Italy boss Gennaro Gattuso has tried to alleviate the pressure on Inter Milan star Nicolo Barella ahead of the crucial FIFA World Cup playoffs.
During today’s press conference, Gattuso leapt to the Nerazzurri midfielder’s defense amid mounting media scrutiny, via FCInterNews.
What started as another superb campaign has descended into chaos for Nicolo Barella.
Indeed, the 29-year-old tallied one goal and five assists in the opening 13 Serie A rounds.
However, his form has since fallen off a cliff, with the former Cagliari man registering only four assists in his last 14 league outings.
Despite his recent struggles, the diminutive star remains a crucial cog in the Nerazzurri midfield.
Unfazed by Barella’s drop-off, Cristian Chivu has regularly played his talisman.
Furthermore, Gattuso will heavily rely on Barella in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
Italy will face Northern Ireland in a pivotal playoff tie on Thursday.
Italy Manager Gennaro Gattuso Defends Inter Milan Star Nicolo Barella
“You all know about the problem he’s had,” Gattuso said. “He’s been at Coverciano since yesterday morning, undergoing treatment. He has to keep working and recover properly – we hope to have him available. We thank him for his great commitment.”
“Until recently, people were saying Dimarco is the best in his role. With players like Barella, people always expect the maximum. I expect intensity and desire. I speak to him every day.
“Over the years he’s shown he’s an important player, and when he performs below his level, he gets heavily criticised. We’re doing what we have to do with great calm – everyone knows what’s at stake. We must prepare without putting too much pressure on the players.
“These are players who’ve won a lot, who’ve played in finals. They’re not just anyone- we have quality and players used to these kinds of matches. We need to approach the game with great composure.”
As an Inter supporter, I feel the team has not been performing at the expected level recently. At times, the play looks hesitant and lacks clear attacking solutions.
In my opinion, some changes in the squad, and coaching and in management, it could help bring back energy and competitiveness. The team also needs a stronger mentality, especially in important matches.
These are just my personal views as a fan who wants the best for the club.
Forza Inter.
I would like to share my thoughts as an Inter supporter.
Recently, the team has not been performing at the level we expect. At times, the play appears hesitant, with a lack of clear attacking solutions and confidence on the ball. This is something that needs to improve if we want to compete at the highest level.
In my opinion, some players may no longer be contributing consistently, and it could be the right time to consider changes within the squad. A refresh in certain areas might help bring back energy and competitiveness.
I also believe the team needs a stronger mentality in difficult matches, especially against both top and lower-ranked opponents, where we have dropped important points.
Regarding the coaching situation, it may be worth evaluating whether a different approach could help restore consistency and a winning mindset.
These are simply my personal views as a fan who wants the best for the club.
Forza Inter.
Fix your website Sempreinter.
Why are my comments awaiting moderation when it contains 0 insults or bad words?
Its called critisism. I support my beloved inter and the players. But some players dont have it in them anymore and they seem like they are too scared to even be on pitch because they are afraid to lose. They are afraid of making errors. All they do is pass pass and without any clear solutions. This needs to change. Some players has to leave, some will stay. Barella, Lautaro, Bastoni, mikhitaryan, calhanoglu, acerbi and Thuram are not delivering anymore and its time for them to go. I’m speaking from the heart.
If any inter fan reads this and gets offended by my opinion, @ me if you want. I dont care.
Its also time for Chivu to go. He got lucky by refs this season.. This is FACTS. We got away with many errors going against us and now there’s no help from the refs. our team is not on level with big teams. Now we are even losing points against smaller teams. We need a coach that can install winning mentality again. We also need fresh legs. This is my take.
Forza inter
Its called critisizm. I support my beloved inter and the players. But some players dont have it in them anymore and they seem like they are too scared to even be on pitch because they are afraid about losing. They are afraid of making errors. All they do is pass pass and without any clear solutions. This needs to change. Some players has to leave, some will stay. Barella, Lautaro, Bastoni, mikhitaryan, calhanoglu, acerbi and Thuram are not delivering anymore and its time for them to go. If any inter fan reads this and gets offended by my opinion, attack me all you want. I dont care.
Its facts. Its also time for Chivu to go. He got lucky by refs this season.. This is FACT. We got away with many errors going against us and now there’s no help from the refs. our team is not on level with big teams. Now we are even losing points against smaller teams. We need a coach that can install winning mentality again. We also need fresh legs. This is my take.
Forza inter