Inter legend Marco Materazzi reveals Pep Guardiola wanted to sign Nicolò Barella at Manchester City and insists the Italy international is ‘on Rodri’s level.’
Former Inter and Italy defender Materazzi reveals Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola wanted to sign Barella from the Nerazzurri.
Materazzi released an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport on Friday, two days before the derby della Madonnina against Milan. The ex-Italy international predicted Inter’s starting midfield in the game against the Rossoneri and revealed the transfer insight.
“Barella, Calhanoglu and Mkhitaryan [will start against Milan],” he said.
Materazzi reveals Guardiola ‘wanted to sign Inter’ star on Rodri’s level
“Did you see Nicolò’s performance against Manchester City? It’s easy to understand why Guardiola wanted to sign him. To me, he’s worth as much as Rodri. It’s a different role, but the level is the same.”
On Wednesday, Barella was UEFA’s Man Of The Match in Inter’s 0-0 draw against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.
He was not the only player linked with a move to Manchester City in the past as his compatriot Alessandro Bastoni was also said to be on Pep’s wishlist.
However, Guardiola himself denied that he had tried to sign the Inter defender in the past.
During the same interview, Materazzi warned Inter not tot think about their winning streak in the derby against Milan ahead of Sunday’s meeting at San Siro.