Ex AC Milan & Real Madrid Striker Delivers Verdict On Inter Milan Megastars New Italy Role: “Not An Attacking Midfielder” | OneFootball

Antonio Cassano has delivered a damning verdict on Luciano Spalletti’s tactical experiment with Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella.

Speaking on the Twitch channel Viva El Futbol Official via FCInterNews, FantAntonio condemned Spalletti’s decision to deploy the 27-year-old in a more advanced role in November’s UEFA Nations League fixtures.

Nicolo Barella has been an omnipresent figure for Inter and Italy in recent years.

Widely regarded as one of Europe’s finest midfielders, he has been the beating heart of Simone Inzaghi’s team.

Furthermore, he occupies a prominent role with the Azzurri.

After skipping October’s call-up due to injury, Barella returned to the national team this month.

However, Spalletti refused to play him in his natural position.

Well-versed in the box-to-box role, Barella is the best version of himself when deployed centrally.

But the Azzurri boss tried him out in a new position against Belgium and France.

Indeed, Barella dislodged Roma captain Lorenzo Pellegrini from the starting XI, assuming the role of a ‘trequartista.’

Though he excelled in Brussels, he seemed in discomfort against Les Bleus.

It resulted in him being among the lowest-rated home players.

Antonio Cassano Offers His View of Nicolo Barella New Italy Role

Italy’s 3-1 home defeat to France on Sunday evening left Cassano fuming.

“We are poor as a national team in terms of physicality, quality, and personality,” he was harsh.

“The only positive thing is Spalletti’s game plan, which has given the team an identity.

“We will struggle even against average teams like Switzerland and Austria.”

Barella was among the weakest performers, which didn’t slip Cassano’s eye.

The ex-AC Milan and Roma striker blasted Spalletti’s decision to put Barella behind Mateo Retegui at the expense of Pellegrini.

“We don’t have Totti, Baggio, Del Piero, or Pirlo…

“There is no number 10. Barella should play as a central midfielder, not as an attacking midfielder.”

Despite losing their first game since a dismal EURO 2024 exit, Italy will continue their Nations League campaign in the quarter-finals.