Nicolo Barella cannot wait to take on derby rivals Milan in the UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg at San Siro. Inter ousted two Portuguese giants in Porto and Benfica enroute a final-four spot, and the midfielder has been a significant driving force behind the Nerazzurri’s European charge. Inter however risk missing the UCL next season if they do not manage to grab a top-four spot in Serie A or fail to win the title this season.
Derby della Madonnina ⌛#UCL pic.twitter.com/r6RxqPFFd0
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) May 8, 2023
Speaking to UEFA.com (via FCInterNews) in an exclusive interview, Barella believes the Nerazzurri have fared better in the UCL than on the domestic front due to the continental championship’s weight.
“It was certainly a difficult and a bit strange season with all the ups and downs for me and for the team. But I’m happy to still have some energy left for this final part, which is fundamental. It seems strange, but we worked better as a team in the Champions League than in Serie A. It could just be the sensations you get with a certain atmosphere. Listening to that music gives you an extra push. It’s not an excuse at all, but there are matches where you unknowingly put yourself on the line and find the right energy: this is the Champions League.”
The Italy midfielder then reflected on what it means to play in the most prestigious continental competition at the historic San Siro and the emotion the stadium offers.
“When it is full of fans shouting “the Champions”, I find myself thinking: “Here we are!” Those are strong sensations. You’ll get the chills, and only a stadium like San Siro and a competition like the Champions League and Inter faithful can give them to you. And now the Derby. You’ll need heart, courage and strength, but also to understand that it’s a football match and therefore anything can happen and many different factors could be decisive. But the whole world will follow this match. We are all happy to be on the pitch at that time.”
Finally, Barella spoke of former Nerazzurri ace Dejan Stankovic as his inspiration.
“Well, I’ve always spoke highly of Stanković because I’ve never scored so many goals. Seeing how easily he hit the net and played football, his grit combined with technique, always caught my attention and made me watch matches and study his style: his passes, his shots, even his way of being on the pitch. He made history at Inter. I owe him a lot. I would like to score incredible goals like his, even though I’ve been getting better at that lately, but I miss the easy ones.”
Haaland eyes record ?
Milan derby awaits ⌛️What to look out for this week…#UCL
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) May 8, 2023
In a match that is set to draw the eyes of the world, Barella’s Inter will play as the visiting team first on Wednesday, before welcoming Milan to the shared ground less than a week later.
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