Ajax 0-2 Inter Milan: France Star Striker A ‘Specialist’ But Italy Megastar Continues To Falter | OneFootball

Marcus Thuram went from strength to strength in Inter Milan’s 2-0 win at Ajax, but Nicolo Barella failed to impress.

According to Corriere dello Sport via FCInterNews, the Italian midfielder’s performance left a lot to be desired.

Only days after Inter’s frustrating defeat at Juventus, Cristian Chivu’s side returned to the win column with a bang.

Indeed, Marcus Thuram slotted home two identical headers in both halves to get Inter’s Champions League season off to a flyer.

Marcus Thuram Impresses in Ajax 0-2 Inter Milan Win, Nicolo Barella Flops

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)

Nicolo Barella was merely a shadow of his former self against Juventus last weekend.

However, Chivu decided against dropping him out of his starting line-up.

Unfortunately, the diminutive midfielder offered no improvement on his performance in Turin.

Indeed, the ex-Cagliari star lacked energy and composure in critical moments.

Despite improving slightly after the break, it was not one of his best showings in the Nerazzurri shirt.

On the other hand, Stefan de Vrij was superb in his first competitive start under Chivu.

Indeed, he forged a wall in front of Yann Sommer’s goal alongside Alessandro Bastoni and Manuel Akanji.