Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella feels that the Nerazzurri showed that “they can compete with anyone” against Man City.
The 27-year-old reacted to the 0-0 Champions League draw speaking to Amazon Prime after the match, via FCInterNews.
Inter had the toughest of assignments to begin their Champions League campaign.
The Nerazzurri travelled to England to face Premier League juggernauts Manchester City at the Etihad.
This was a rematch of the 2023 Champions League final. Inter had acquitted themselves well with their performance in that match – but still ended up losing.
This time around, though, the Nerazzurri managed to go toe-to-toe with City and get a result for their troubles.
It was not the win that Inter will have been hoping for.
The Nerazzurri were not able to turn any of the handful of promising counterattacking situations that they had into goals to take three points.
But at the other end, Inter kept City largely very quiet.
At least until the last few minutes of the match, Inter held the English giants at arm’s length.
Barella: “Inter Showed We Can Compete With Anyone” Vs Man City
Inter midfielder Barella said that this evening’s draw was “A match that came from a team that won the title last season.”
“But we were lacking something in the Champions League,” he continued. “And this season we’d like to do more.”
Barella insisted that “We’re growing.”
“We’re gaining experience. And this helps us.”
“We reached the final two seasons ago,” Barella noted. “At Inter, we play to win. That’s the ambition.”
“And now, anything can happen. Even against extremely strong teams, we can compete, and then the key episodes determine the result.”
Barella said that “I liked our attitude.”
“Because after a match in Monza where we were less-than-brilliant, we could have been hung up on it.”
“But instead we just gave 200%,” Barella said. “And to go all the way, you need that mentality.”
