Italy Megastar Lives Up To High Standard In Inter Milan Dismal Loss Vs Fluminense, France Striker Disappoints | OneFootball

Nicolo Barella was a rare shining light in an otherwise underwhelming night for Inter Milan against Fluminense.

Per Gazzetta dello Sport via FCInterNews, the diminutive midfielder was the beating heart in Inter’s 2-0 loss in Charlotte.

Cristian Chivu suffered his first defeat in charge as the Nerazzurri waved goodbye to the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.

Indeed, the San Siro giants were far from their usual best in the first knockout round.

Nicolo Barella Among Inter Milan Best in Fluminense Disaster

MUNICH, GERMANY – APRIL 08: Marcus Thuram of FC Internazionale reacts during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Quarter Final First Leg match between FC Bayern München and FC Internazionale Milano at Fussball Arena Muenchen on April 08, 2025 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

Nicolo Barella pulled all the strings in midfield last night.

Furthermore, he made two brilliant passes to Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Marcus Thuram but to no avail.

On the other hand, the Frenchman had a quiet game.

Recently back from yet another injury setback, Thuram wasn’t the difference-maker he was throughout 2024/25.

Instead, injury took its toll, rendering the towering striker irrelevant in attack.

Meanwhile, Lautaro Martinez was on course to complete his worst match in the United States.

However, he grew into the contest late and nearly forced extra time, only for the goal’s frame to deny his equalizer.