Davide Frattesi proved that he can fill in for the injured Nicolo Barella in Inter Milan’s Serie A win over Udinese yesterday evening.
This is the view in today’s print edition of Turin-based newspaper Tuttosport, via FCInterNews.
Inter were missing a big name going into yesterday’s Serie A away trip to face Udinese.
Midfielder Barella had picked up a thigh strain during last weekend’s derby loss to AC Milan. The Italian international will be out until the October international break.
The loss of a player like Barella is never straightforward for a team to negotiate.
Barella is a player who is central to Inter in every sense.
The former Cagliari midfielder provides a combination of physical intensity with technical polish that is rare. He is influential in the midfield battle both in and out of possession.
At his best, Barella is the kind of player who seems to make those around him play better.
Frattesi Proves He Can Fill In For Injured Barella Vs Udinese
Yesterday was the first match this season in which Inter have had to do without Barella due to injury.
The 27-year-old had not been in the starting eleven against Monza. And his absence was felt, as Inter looked a bit sluggish and had to settle for a 1-1 draw.
But against Udinese yesterday, the Nerazzurri looked far more like their usual selves.
And midfielder Frattesi was right at the heart of it.
Of course, the 24-year-old’s most eye-catching contribution was his goal. He scored before a minute had even run off the clock.
But Frattesi gave Inter far more than his goal.
The former Sassuolo midfielder’s endless running and positional instincts were a big part of what gave his team a foothold in the game.
More than ever, Frattesi looks like a player capable of emulating Barella’s role in Inter’s midfield.