Nicolò Barella explains Italy were disjointed in their Nations League draw with Bosnia-Herzegovina because ‘we were all on different levels’ of fitness.
Stefano Sensi cancelled out the Edin Dzeko opener in last night’s 1-1 stalemate in Florence, while elsewhere in this group, the Netherlands beat Poland 1-0.
Nicolò Barella explains Italy were disjointed in their Nations League draw with Bosnia-Herzegovina because ‘we were all on different levels’ of fitness.
Stefano Sensi cancelled out the Edin Dzeko opener in last night’s 1-1 stalemate in Florence, while elsewhere in this group, the Netherlands beat Poland 1-0.
“I had to get some treatment for blisters, as I was no longer accustomed to wearing football boots!” Barella told RAI Sport.
The Inter midfielder had a very brief vacation after playing in the Europa League Final defeat to Sevilla and went straight from there to international duty.
“It was important to get back on the field, as some were tired, some hadn’t started pre-season training at all before coming to the Italy camp, so we were all on different levels.
“I was in decent shape, because I had only a few days of vacation after the Europa League Final, so didn’t really have time to lose fitness levels.
“We all lacked a little sharpness, it’s disappointing that we couldn’t start with a victory, but we’ll be in better shape for the next game and above all next month.”
Inter finished second in Serie A and reached the Europa League Final, so hope to keep the momentum going now that coach Antonio Conte has committed himself to the club for another season.
“I think Inter are building something important. Nobody liked losing the Final, obviously, but we are happy the coach remained and that’s the most important thing.”