Nicolo Barella has suggested like players like Manuel Locatelli, Sandro Tonali and himself represent the future of the Italian national team.
The Azzurri are preparing to face Hungary in their second Nations League match, following on from their 1-1 draw with Germany on Saturday. Coach Roberto Mancini is hoping to turn things around following a confusing start to this international break, with things kicking off with a painful 3-0 defeat to Argentina in the Finalissima.
Speaking in a press conference, Barella first suggested that the future of the Italian national team is starting now.
“There are many guys, like Locatelli, Frattesi or Esposito, who represent the present and the future of the national team, not just Tonali and myself.
“I’m now among the most experienced, I’ll try to pass on what the coach has passed on to us over the years.”
He reacted to a year of ups and downs, including Italy’s Euro 2020 victory and their failure to qualify for the upcoming World Cup in Qatar.
“I am very sorry not to have won the Scudetto and the World Cup, but it would be too easy if everything went well. Suffering sometimes makes you stronger than victories.
“Since I started I have had many disappointments and many days of joy, but I try to learn as much as I can from every situation.”
The Inter midfielder touched on the squad’s view of the Nations League as a competition.
“It’s not for me to say if it’s superfluous, it’s exaggerated or if we could do without these matches. We are at a time of the year when we have played a lot and it is certainly a commitment but to wear this shirt is an honour, never a burden. If there is a game to play, I’ll play and so do will teammates.”
The former Cagliari man looked to explain why the team failed to qualify for the World Cup following their Euro 2020 win.
“The failure to qualify for the World Cup depends on a round in which we dominated all the matches, but there were moments that did not turn in our favour… But it means we didn’t deserve to go to the World Cup or it wasn’t our time.
“I’m sorry about the match against North Macedonia, we probably should have won 3 or 4-0. I’m sorry, I can’t give an explanation. We will try to do everything to go to the next one.
“As for Hungary, I also followed them at the European Championships. They have opened a cycle with coach Rossi, they are very compact and with our quality we will try to win this match.”
Finally, Barella gave his thoughts on teammate Sebastiano Esposito.
“He’s a guy who has great quality. He needs to be able to make mistakes, as I did, and gain experience. But I’m sure that in the future he will be able to give a lot to the national team.
“He plays in a role where making mistakes can compromise a lot, but he needs to grow and with maturity for me he will become a very important player for this national team.”