Inter’s midfield looked to be functioning at very close to top level in the team’s friendly win over Sassuolo yesterday evening.

This is the view in today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInter1908, who praise the Nerazzurri trio of Nicolo Barella, Hakan Calhanoglu, and Henrikh Mkhitaryan for their composed and efficient display.

There is now less than a week to go before Inter make their return to Serie A action against league leaders Napoli.

There is a good chance of that head-to-head clash being decided by the midfield battle, whilst the functioning of the team in central areas on both a physical and technical level will no doubt be vital throughout the rest of the season.

Accordingly, it is a very positive sign that the midfield looked as sharp as it did against the Neroverdi.

The Gazzetta particularly single out an outstanding box-to-box performance from Barella, whilst the newspaper also observe that Calhanoglu and Mkhitaryan both more or less picked up where they left off before the World Cup break.