Udinese 0-1 Inter Milan: Italy Star Struggles Despite Win ‘Not Precise, But At Least Present’ | OneFootball

Italian media offered mixed assessments of Nicolò Barella following Inter Milan’s narrow 1-0 victory away to Udinese, with several outlets highlighting a performance built more on effort than quality.

Tuttosport was the most critical, via L’Interista, pointing to lapses in concentration and execution: “At a slow trot, to be generous. He lacks sharpness when he loses the ball in his own box, and not only there.”

The Turin-based paper felt Barella never fully imposed himself on the match.

Udinese 0-1 Inter – Media Highlight Barella Struggles Despite Victory

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)

La Gazzetta dello Sport struck a more balanced tone, acknowledging his struggles on the ball while recognising his importance in key phases.

“He isn’t precise, his energy borders on frenzy, but he is present, especially when Udinese try to push up and there is a battle to be fought.”

The consensus suggests Barella’s influence came more through work rate and defensive commitment than through his usual technical clarity.

While he did not dominate proceedings, his intensity helped Inter manage difficult moments, particularly late on as Udinese searched for an equaliser.