Nicolo Barella Named As Inter Milan’s MOTM In 3-3 Champions League Draw With Benfica | OneFootball

Inter midfielder Nicolo Barella has been praised as his team’s outstanding performer in a 3-3 draw against Benfica in the Champions Leagye yesterday.

The 26-year-old was singled out for his performance in the player ratings for the Champions League quarterfinal second leg published in today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews, receiving an 8/10 grade.

Barella scored Inter’s vital opening goal yesterday to extend the Nerazzurri’s lead to 3-0 on aggregate, key to gaining full control of the tie and settling some nerves, even if five more goals would eventually arrive before the final whistle was blown.

The former Cagliari’s goal was as well-taken as it was vital for his team, as his control, footwork to set himself for a shot, and pinpoint finish into the top left corner of the net showed the full range of what he is capable of in the final third.

In truth, though, for as good as Barella’s goal was, it only scratched the surface of what the 26-year-old offers the team as he put in an all-action display to keep Benfica from getting into their rhythm in central areas, and also made a crucial block in his own penalty area.

Meanwhile, striker Lautaro Martinez received a 7.5/10 score for a performance that was similarly all-action, and the important second goal for his team.

Defender Francesco Acerbi, midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan, and forward Joaquin Correa were all given 7/10 grades for their display, the latter the author of the Nerazzurri’s third goal in a perfect second half substitute appearance.”

The Gazzetta also reserved significance praise for Inter coach Simone Inzaghi for masterminding yesterday’s performance.

The 47-year-old received an 8/10 score from the newspaper for how everything from team selection to tactics to substitutions seemed pitch-perfect for the tempo of the match as the Nerazzurri expertly saw out the tie even with conceding two late goals.