Nicolo Barella has identified why Inter struggled on the 2024/25 campaign and gave an interesting opinion on the appointment of Cristian Chivu.
What Did Nicolo Barella Say About Inter’s 2024/25 Campaign?
The Inter Milan midfielder opened up about Inter’s underwhelming performance during the 2024/25 season and in particular, looked into the humiliating defeat to PSG in the Champions League final.
After beating Barcelona in the semi-finals, Simone Inzaghi and his side traveled to Munich to face an in-form PSG side, with many expecting a close affair.
However, the French side were dominant from start to finish and managed to win 5-0, which is the biggest victory in any Champions League final.
Barella, who started the match, revealed that the defeat will stay in the Inter squad’s minds throughout each of their careers, but hopes his teammates can put it behind them for next season.
Barella said: “It’ll stay in our minds – it’s a loss that becomes a part of your journey in your career. It’s a tough defeat that stings but in life, as in football, you need to know how to get back up and we’ve shown we can do that.
“We lost two league titles by a single point and lost two Champions League finals but, in-between, we’ve also won. We know that football is full of highs and lows and you always have to keep working harder to reach the point where you can compete for trophies. That’s the mindset.”
Inter go in to the new season as favorites to win the league title on Serie A betting sites, despite Napoli’s impressive run in the Italian top-flight last year.
Does Nicolo Barella Like Cristian Chivu’s Appointment?
Following Inter’s poor campaign, Simone Inzaghi was made surplus to requirements at the San Siro and is now taking the reins at Saudi Pro League side, Al Hilal.
During the Italian’s time in Milan, he won the Serie A title, two Coppa Italias and three Supercoppas Italiana in a row, establishing himself as one of the best managers in the world.
Barella is one of the first players to speak out on Inzaghi’s departure and the Italian international revealed that it was ‘strange’ to see Inzaghi leave the San Siro.
Barella said: “It was a strange piece of news. After four years, being together had become the norm. At Cagliari I experienced many changes in coaches and even a bit at Inter. I know how it works but I can’t say I’m used to it.
“The only thing I felt was the need to thank Inzaghi and his staff for four fantastic years – years of growth and strong emotions.”
The Serie A giants were quick to find a replacement for Inzaghi, as Cristian Chivu was handed the task of becoming Inter Milan and Walter Samuel will act as an assistant manager.
It has only been a few weeks since Chivu took the reins of the Nerazzurri, but the 44-year-old has already targeted some fresh faces and added Atalants midfielder, Ederson, to the midfield shortlist.
Adding another midfielder to play alongside Barella could be a tide-changing move by Chivu and the Inter star commented on how the Romanian manager has already impacted the side.
Barella said: “I noticed his great empathy towards players – he understands what they need. Not every coach has that and it’s an important quality.
“It’s a tough time for us and he’s giving us a huge boost. He’s straightforward and eager to do well – there’s a chance to achieve something special together.”
