Italy Star Proving Just As Important For Inter Milan Under Chivu As Under Inzaghi | OneFootball

Midfielder Nicolo Barella is quickly proving to be just as important for Cristian Chivu at Inter Milan as he was for Simone Inzaghi.

This is highlighted in today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews.

Only two outfield players have started for Inter in each of Cristian Chivu’s first five matches in charge, between the Club World Cup and Serie A.

One is Nerazzurri captain Lautaro Martinez. Then, the other is midfielder Nicolo Barella.

Barella is going into his seventh season in an Inter shirt. He joined the club from Cagliari in the summer of 2019.

As soon as he joined Inter, Barella became a key player in the starting eleven under Antonio Conte.

However, it was the arrival of Inzaghi as coach in 2021 that really took Barella to the next level.

Nicolo Barella Proving As Important For Chivu As Inzaghi

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – JUNE 30: Nicolo Barella #23 of FC Internazionale Milano looks on prior to the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 round of 16 match between FC Internazionale Milano and Fluminense FC at Bank of America Stadium on June 30, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

As the Gazzetta dello Sport note, Barella is the player who was on the pitch more than any other across Inzaghi’s four season at the helm.

The Italian international provided a bit of everything in Inzaghi’s midfield trio. His energy and athleticism were as important as his technical polish, passing, and occasional goals.

And early signs show that Chivu sees Barella in the same way as Inzaghi.

The Romanian is making some changes to the formation and tactical setup.

However, Barella’s quality and adaptability mean that he is not a player who Chivu will want to do without.

In Inter’s Serie A opener against Torino, Barella played in holding midfield. Now, with Hakan Calhanoglu back from suspension, it looks likely the 28-year-old will play on the right of the midfield trio.