Inter Milan 0-1 AC Milan – Italy Midfielder Demonstrates Playmaking Qualities Amid Rough Patch | OneFootball

Inter stalwart Nicolo Barella returned to his usual best, even though the Nerazzurri fell to a stomach-wrenching 1-0 defeat to AC Milan on Sunday.

According to the Italian press via L’Interista, the diminutive midfielder showcased impressive playmaking skills in the latest edition of the Milan derby.

Nicolo Barella has performed in patches at the beginning of Cristian Chivu’s tenure at San Siro.

Indeed, the 28-year-old has shown flashes of brilliance in midfield, driving play forward and injecting pace into the engine room.

However, he has also struggled with consistency at times.

Nicolo Barella Impresses in Inter 0-1 AC Milan Loss

MILAN, ITALY – OCTOBER 04: Nicolo’ Barella of FC Internazionale gestures during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and US Cremonese at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on October 04, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Following a pair of unenviable performances for Italy during the international break, Barella bounced back strongly for Inter.

Indeed, he soaked up the limelight as Inter’s driving force in Sunday’s Derby della Madonnina.

Barella’s playmaking skills were on full display, as he orchestrated attacks and linked midfield and forward seamlessly.

Moreover, in the absence of Denzel Dumfries, Barella’s crossing ability proved a genuine source of threat for the Nerazzurri.

Unfortunately, Chivu’s side couldn’t capitalize on the former Calgiari ace’s impressive showing.