Nicolò Barella sees similarities between Inter and Italy and admits he was sorry for Romelu Lukaku after the Azzurri knocked Belgium out of UEFA Euro 2020.
Roberto Mancini’s side prepare to face Spain in the semi-finals of the Euros on Tuesday.
“The Spain side that won the Euros in 2012 had an incredible midfield. There were amazing champions there, here there are great players, but we hope we can reach their level and possibly do even better,” Barella said at a press conference.
“Busquets has been one of the best midfielders in the world for many years. Then they have Pedri and Koke, it will be a nice game, we’ll try to beat their midfield and beat Spain.
“It will be a tough game, we are similar as we both want to dominate the possession, I hope it will be a nice game, we want to enjoy it in a fantastic stadium,” the 24-year-old continued.
“Midfield is a crucial department, we have Jorginho and Verratti, who are great champions. I give my help with runs into open spaces.
“We are all starters. There are great players such as Pessina, Castrovilli and Locatelli. It would be unfair to talk just about Jorginho, Verratti and me,” Barella added.
The Inter star hugged his teammate Romelu Lukaku at the end of the quarter-finals tie won by the Azzurri against Belgium on Friday.
“I was sorry for him, we have created something special, but he will have other chances to celebrate,” the former Cagliari man said.
The Azzurri will be without Leonardo Spinazzola on Tuesday as the Roma midfielder will undergo Achilles tendon surgery. Chelsea full-back Emerson Palmieri is expected to replace the 28-year-old.
“It was strange not to celebrate because one of his teammates had suffered a serious injury. It was the first time I didn’t celebrate a goal at the end of the game, all we can do is to make Spinazzola proud and celebrate for him,” Barella claimed.
“Emerson and Spina have different characteristics, they are two great players and nobody is worried. He won the Champions League and he will help us as he’s always done. He’s played many games for us and we all trust him.”
When asked what this Inter side and Italy have in common, Barella replied: “There’s a word that Inter and this national team share, but I will keep it for myself until the end.
“We have a common target and great groups, both here and at Inter. Here is a little easier as we all share the same culture.”