Inter Milan coach Simone Inzaghi acknowledges that Nicolo Barella made a mistake getting a booking against Napoli.
The Nerazzurri coach talked about the 26-year-old’s error in judgment whilst speaking to Italian broadcaster SportMediaset following the Supercoppa Italiana final, via FCInterNews.
If there was one black mark on Inter’s evening, it was Barella going into the book.
The former Cagliari midfielder picked up a rather unnecessary yellow card.
Barella had been whistle for a foul on Napoli midfielder Jens Cajuste. And he made it known that he felt that this was the wrong decision, gesticulating and protesting to referee Antonio Rapuano.
The referee felt that Barella had gone too far in his protests.
Therefore, Barella will miss Inter’s next Serie A match against Fiorentina.
The Italian international was one booking away from a suspension. And he knew it.
But Barella added to his reputation as a player who sometimes loses his temper on the pitch, to the detriment of his team.
Simone Inzaghi Acknowledges Nicolo Barella Made A Mistake
Inzaghi noted that “Tonight Nicolo made a mistake. But he’ll be the first one to know it.”
“He’s a top player who needs to improve in certain aspects,” he said, alluding to the 26-year-old’s occasional outbursts on the pitch.
“In that moment he made things more difficult for us in the next match,” the coach went on.
“Compared to the last two years he’s improved but he still needs to improve more.”
Inzaghi said that “I also have to give a big round of applause to the substitutions.”
“They gave us a hand, and have to do so until the end of the season.”
And as far as how he has been so successful in cup finals, Inzaghi said that “There are a few secrets.”
“It takes a great team like I have at Inter, and like I had at Lazio.”
The coach said that “This format was something a bit new. We had a final two days after the semifinal.”
“We had some fatigue, but most of the credit belongs to the guys.”
And as far as the match, Inzaghi said “Let’s say the credit belongs to Napoli.”
“They played a great match, they fought like lions after going down to ten.”
“Then losing in the ninetieth minute is disappointing for them.”
Inzaghi then said that “I have to congratulate my team. Playing a final sixty hours after the semifinal is something new for us.”
And the Inter coach also reacted to the passing of legendary former Italy striker Gigi Riva.
“Clearly it was a bolt from the blue,” the 47-year-old said.
“We found out about it in the dressing room,” he added.
“I was lucky enough to know him. He was a great character who will be greatly missed. Condolences to his family.”
