Barella apologises for ‘simulation’ in Inter-Genoa | OneFootball

Nicolò Barella comments on Inter’s rock-solid defending, Yann Bisseck’s clothing sense, but also congratulates Bologna and apologises to Genoa for the penalty incident.

Bisseck found the net with a diving header at the back post on the Alessandro Bastoni cross, then they defended solidly for the entire second half to take home that 1-0 result at the Stadio Dall’Ara.

“We must congratulate Bologna, they are a really strong team and their position is absolutely deserved. It is one of the toughest places to play, but we had the right attitude, we suffered and you cannot always dominate games. We are doing something incredible this season,” Barella told DAZN.

Inter now have 75 points in Serie A, already three more than throughout all of last season, and have won 10 consecutive matches in the league, all 13 competitive matches in 2024.

“This is a fantastic group of lads, we all work towards the same target. Naturally, there is competition for places, but it is healthy competition and that is fundamental to achieve our aims.”

It was noted that Bisseck hit the headlines on social media this week for wearing some comical shoes in the locker room, Crocs designed around the kids’ movie Cars.

“Bisseck and Marcus Thuram are let’s say the most outrageous in their clothing choices, but they are young and handsome, they can get away with it!” joked Barella.

The Champions League is coming up with Atletico Madrid, having already won the first leg 1-0, but today Diego Simeone said he will fight “to the death” for qualification on Wednesday.

“It’s natural he wants to put out everything against us, we feel the same way. The Champions League is the biggest competition, we want to go all the way just like we did last season,” added the midfielder.

“We’ll see how long we’ve got to wait, but the longer we are up there, the more difficult it is for those chasing us. We want it to keep being difficult for them.”

Barella was lambasted this week after he was accused of simulation when going down under the Morten Frendrup challenge, as replays show the Genoa man clearly got the ball, but Inter still won thanks to that penalty.

“I just want to say that people accused me of simulating against Genoa. It was not my intention to simulate, but if my reaction was a bit over the top or it caused someone to misread the situation, I want to apologise.

“Sometimes, if you really want to win, you do things that you didn’t want to or wouldn’t want to do. I apologise.”