Chelsea Legend Hails Inter Milan Superstar & Compares Him To Barcelona Icon: “He Is Italy’s Iniesta” | OneFootball

Legendary Italian striker Gianfranco Zola sings the praise of Inter Milan star Nicolo Barella, tipping him to make the difference for the national team.

The 27-year-old started his campaign on a relatively slow note but has been on sensational form in the second half of the season.

The former Cagliari man played a key role in the Nerazzurri’s Scudetto-winning campaign. He formed a golden midfield trio alongside Hakan Calhanoglu and Henrikh Mkhitaryan.

After winning his second Serie A medal, Barella will soon join the Azzurri camp. He will be aiming to lead Italy for a second European triumph in a row,

While several of Italy’s main protagonists at Euro 2020 are no longer part of the squad, the Sardinian remains at the center of the project.

For his part, Zola crowns Barella as the top star who can lead the Azzurri far in the tournament. However, he ruins the absence of injured Aston Villa forward Nicolo Zaniolo.

“I believe Italy have a number 10 that I have always sponsored. I’m talking about Nicolò Zaniolo,” said the Chelsea legend in his interview with L’Avvenire via FcInterNews

“He’s a bit lost now. But with a great coach like Luciano Spalletti, he could rediscover that fantastic talent which I long admired.

“However, Italy has a champion, and he’s Sardinian like me. This is of course Nicolò Barella.”

Gianfranco Zola Compares Inter Milan Midfielder Nicolo Barella To Andres Iniesta

The 57-year-old goes on to compare the Inter superstar to legendary Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta.

“Barella is our Iniesta. He’s a great player who improves with every season, and he is also an intelligent boy.

“There is one thing we have in common: Success has not changed him. He always remains the good kid from Cagliari with his feet on the ground.”