Nicolò Barella’s two-match suspension will undoubtedly have a massive impact on Inter’s chances in their Champions League clashes with Liverpool.
The 24-year-old Italian midfielder was handed the suspension after picking up a straight red card in the Nerazzurri’s final group stage match against Real Madrid back in December. The Milanese club are not planning to appeal the decision, meaning Barella’s absence for the upcoming two matches is now confirmed.
Barella is one of the most important cogs in Simone Inzaghi’s Inter machine; the former Cagliari man plays a key role in the transition and attacking phases of the match, playing an average of 5.00 progressive passes per 90 minutes and providing an average of 4.21 shot-creating actions per 90 in the league this season.
His absence means Inzaghi will have to deploy a backup option in the midfield, with possible candidates including Roberto Gagliardini, Arturo Vidal and Matias Vecino, something that the Italian coach would prefer to avoid considering that this is Inter’s first Champions League knockout game in a decade.
Other important Inter players could also miss the Liverpool matches, with Joaquin Correa and new arrival Robin Gosens both currently out injured. They’re expected to miss the first leg in Milan on February 16 and there’s a chance that they could miss the return leg in Anfield on March 8.
All of this sets the odds against Inter and Inzaghi, who now have to prepare for their knockout duel with Liverpool with a weaker squad in mind.
Marotta can’t bribe UEFA like he does with the Italian FA it seems.
@Cypher- if you’re a Juve fan, I find it hilarious that you would talk about other clubs bribing officials!!
Juventus and Moggi were the cheats… remember Serie B?!?
Cypher is another salty Rubentus troll that can’t help but commenting on every single Inter article. Dude just can’t stand that this is now Inter’s time while his clubs is sinking and sinking lower to mediocrity. No amount of money can fix that
Huge loss v Liverpool, given the energy he’d bring.
Gagliardini, Vecino aren’t good enough, and Vidal is a nutjob who’s past his best.
printer is used to go out from UCL on the first stages, so noone is confused by this, obviously. Please give us some news worth of attention.
Inter will win the UCL
Barrella playing or not playing won’t change the fact that Liverpool will steamroll these pretenders. Liverpool will have too much UCL experience , pace and intensity for this mob.
“…something that the Italian coach would prefer to avoid considering that this is Inter’s first Champions League knockout game in a decade.” LOL
Milan went into the 1994 champ league final with Baresi and Costacurta both suspended, whilst having to play the heavy favourites. The result? 4-0 Milan. If Milan could’ve done it vs the ‘dream team’, Inter can do it.
Liverpool are not unbeatable unlike sides like Bayern or Man City at the moment. They have lost in matches that no one expected them to lose. Their biggest mistake is if they think facing Inter will be the same as Milan. For me I’m just happy Inter will face a team that won’t defend with ten men like in serie a.
Forza Inter, we will win 🖤💙
@Frankie
Do you like being knocked out every year? I see why your players are loosing dignity you seem being enjoy it.
Inter is not only Barella. Other player can do well too. No club in the world is unbeatable. Just keep the confidence and give the best you can.
ForzaInter
Inters main focus is the league anyways. Despite being the best team in Italy, inter are barely top 15 in Europe, that’s the reality of Italian football.
Their chances of beating Liverpool were extremely slim even with barella.
Domestic triplete is good enough, let`s wrap up that 2nd star.