AC Milan Vs Inter Milan – Italy Midfielder Seeks Redemption For The Nerazzurri In Vital Derby Clash
· Yahoo Sports
Nicolo Barella will captain Inter in Sunday’s Milan derby in the absence of the injured Lautaro Martinez, and the Sardinian midfielder arrives at San Siro with a point to prove after a season that has fallen some way short of his lofty personal standards.
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Rested entirely for the Coppa Italia semi-final against Como, Barella returns to the starting lineup.
Indeed, knowing that Cristian Chivu needs him at his very best for one of the season’s most pivotal fixtures.
His return from a muscular injury earlier in the campaign has not yet produced the explosive form Inter supporters are accustomed to, and his numbers reflect that.
A single league goal, against Cremonese back in October, and an average match rating of 6.28 according to Gazzetta dello Sport paint the picture of a player still searching for top gear.
For context, he averaged 6.52 in Inter’s 2020-21 title-winning season and 6.51 in 2023-24.
Milan Vs Inter – Dumfries Absence Hurts Barella
MILAN, ITALY – DECEMBER 09: Nicolo Barella of FC Internazionale Milano during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD6 match between FC Internazionale Milano and Liverpool FC at Stadio San Siro on December 09, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Part of the explanation, as Gazzetta notes, lies in the absence of Denzel Dumfries on his right flank.
Luis Henrique has proven a far more conservative presence in that role.
Indeed, depriving Barella of the overlapping runs.
These runs have historically brought out the best in him.
Therefore, Dumfries’ return to fitness could not be better timed.
Tactically, Inter are understood to be planning an offensive approach from their midfielders.
With Barella tasked not merely with containing Adrien Rabiot but actively forcing him to defend.
It is an ambitious brief, but one that suits Barella’s dynamism when he is at his best.
Sunday represents the ideal stage for a statement performance.
With the captaincy on his arm and the title race finely poised, this is precisely the kind of night that defines seasons.