Former Italian striker Paolo Di Canio wasn’t entirely praiseful of Inter Milan stars Lautaro Martinez and Nicolo Barella, even though the Nerazzurri emerged victorious over Roma at the Stadio Olimpico.
Simone Inzaghi’s men found some difficulties in the early going, and Yann Sommer had to pull off several saves to deny the Giallorossi.
But in the end, the reigning Italian champions showed their character and resilience. They held firm at the back despite the injuries of Francesco Acerbi and Hakan Calhanoglu, before eventually pouncing on their opponents’ mistakes to snatch the three points thanks to Lautaro’s vicious strike.
The Nerazzurri will now turn their attention to the Champions League. A contest against BSC Young Boys awaits them in Switzerland.
Inter won’t settle for anything less than a win that would take their tally up to seven points in the competition. This is a must given that a top clash against Arsenal awaits them in a fortnight.
The Nerazzurri will have the home advantage when they host the Gunners at San Siro. And while Arsenal may have a discipline problem, they remain a formidable opponent. After all, they boast one of the strongest squads in the Premier League.
On the other hand, Inzaghi will be relying on his most pivotal stars to lead the team to victory, especially Martinez and Barella.
Nevertheless, Di Canio wasn’t fully impressed by the duo despite Sunday’s win in Rome.
Paolo Di Canio Criticizes Inter Milan Stars Lautaro Martinez & Nicolo Barella
The 56-year-old argues that the Argentine still lacks quality and precision.
“Roma allowed five or six counterattacks. Sommer still had to make some interventions,” noted the former Lazio and West Ham striker during his appearance on Sky Calcio Club via FcInterNews.
“Inter exposed themselves, but they don’t always have the right players. Inzaghi’s team often came out with the ball at their feet without much effort.
“Lautaro scored a beautiful goal, but often lacks clarity and quality in individual plays.”
Di Canio also pointed at a Barella play that was emblematic of Inter’s attitude issue, as he explains.
“Sometimes the right attitude is missing. Barella, who we often praise and rightfully so, tried an unlikely cross with the outside of his foot.
“The ball was deflected and he could have recovered it, but instead he only jogged. This allowed Roma to break with a numerical superiority. This attitude, from a fundamental player like him, could have put Inter in difficulty.”
