Inter midfielder Barella: ‘We must play same game against Atletico as Milan’ | OneFootball

Inter midfielder Nicolò Barella underlined the need for substance over style as the Nerazzurri prepare for a decisive Champions League meeting with Atletico Madrid, insisting the team must reproduce the attitude shown in Sunday’s derby despite the defeat.

Speaking to Amazon Prime Video shortly before kick-off, with quotes via FCInterNews, Barella acknowledged the similarities between the two sides.

“Milan and Atletico Madrid have similar styles,” he said.

“We compared them, and we need to play the same game as Sunday, the only thing missing was the goal.”

MILAN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 23: Luka Modric of AC Milan competes for the ball with Nicolo’ Barella of FC Internazionale during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and AC Milan at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on November 23, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

The midfielder stressed that Inter’s approach would not change, even if pragmatism may be required.

“We try to play beautiful football and we shouldn’t lose that, but scoring is what counts.”

Barella reflects on Inter derby setback

Barella also reflected on his message to the squad over the last few days, emphasising the need to stay balanced after the derby setback.

“Football is like this, when things go well you come on TV and laugh, but in the dressing room you need positivity. Negativity helps no one,” he explained.

CAGLIARI, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 27: Nicolò Barella warms up ahead before the Serie A match at Stadio Sant’Elia on September 27, 2025 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images)

“The defeat to Milan stays with us because we came away with nothing, but the league is long and so is the Champions League.”

With four games left in the League Phase, Barella was clear about the objective. “We’ll try to finish top,” he added, as Inter look to assert themselves in a tightly contested league table.