Barella reflects on Inter Champions League defeat and Inzaghi exit | OneFootball

Nicolo Barella has revealed that Inter’s Champions League final defeat to PSG was a “tough defeat” that will “stay in our minds” but praised his side’s ability to bounce back.

Barella is currently a part of Inter’s Club World Cup squad, the central midfielder starring in the Nerazzurri’s opening two fixtures. Cristian Chivu’s side fought from behind in both matches to claim a 1-1 draw and 2-1 victory against Monterrey and Urawa Red Diamonds respectively.

MILAN, ITALY – MAY 18: Nicolo’ Barella of FC Internazionale is challenged by Matias Vecino of SS Lazio during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and SS Lazio at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on May 18, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Speaking to DAZN, via TMW, Barella said that “the phrase ‘you always have to compete’ is something I agree with 100%. It perfectly reflected last season. We didn’t manage to win anything but it was a year that taught us a lot – both positive and negative. Now we want to bounce back and do our very best.”

Champions League final defeat ‘stings’ – Barella

Inter qualified for their second Champions League final in three years last season but once again fell short, as they were thrashed 5-0 by a dominant PSG side.

When asked to reflect on the final, Barella said: “It’ll stay in our minds – it’s a loss that becomes a part of your journey in your career. It’s a tough defeat that stings but in life, as in football, you need to know how to get back up and we’ve shown we can do that.

“We lost two league titles by a single point and lost two Champions League finals but, in-between, we’ve also won. We know that football is full of highs and lows and you always have to keep working harder to reach the point where you can compete for trophies. That’s the mindset.”

epa12148192 Players of Inter look disappointed as they greet their supporters after losing the UEFA Champions League final between Paris Saint-Germain and Internazionale Milano in Munich, Germany 31 May 2025. EPA-EFE/FILIP SINGER

After the final, head coach Simone Inzaghi departed the club after four seasons in which he won two Coppa Italia and the 2023-24 Scudetto. Inzaghi was replaced by former Inter played Cristian Chivu, who will seek to emulate some of Inzaghi’s success.

When asked how he took Inzaghi’s departure, Barella replied: “It was a strange piece of news. After four years, being together had become the norm.

“At Cagliari I experienced many changes in coach and even a bit at Inter. I know how it works but I can’t say I’m used to it.

“The only thing I felt was the need to thank Inzaghi and his staff for four fantastic years – years of growth and strong emotions.”

PASADENA, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 17: Cristian Chivu Head Coach of FC Internazionale Milano reacts after the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group E match between CF Monterrey and FC Internazionale Milano at Rose Bowl Stadium on June 17, 2025 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

However, Barella was full of praise for new head coach Chivu: “I already knew him – we spoke a few times after training matches in Appiano when he was managing the Primavera side.

“I noticed his great empathy towards players – he understands what they need. Not every coach has that and it’s an important quality.

It’s a tough time for us and he’s giving us a huge boost. He’s straightforward and eager to do well – there’s a chance to achieve something special together.”