Italy manager Luciano Spalletti feels Inter Milan stars Nicolo Barella and Davide Frattesi have different characteristics, suggesting they can play side-by-side.
When the Nerazzurri signed Frattesi in the summer of 2023, many wondered if he and Barella could coexist.
The former Sassuolo man has been mostly acting as a backup for the Sardinian superstar in Simone Inzaghi’s plans.
While Barella has been an automatic starter at the club for years, Frattesi hasn’t been able to carve himself a regular spot.
The 25-year-old has often proved decisive when coming off the bench. However, the stellar competition for starting roles in Inter’s midfield has been limiting his playing time.
Nevertheless, Frattesi has been a prominent figure in the Italy setup since making his debut during Roberto Mancini’s reign.
Incumbent Azzurri boss Spalletti explains that Frattesi has different attributes compared to Barella who could play as an attacking midfielder this evening.
“In the attacking-midfielder role, you need a player who knows how to link the midfield well with the team’s counterattacks,” said the 65-year-old in his pre-match press conference ahead of the Azzurri’s clash against Belgium in the UEFA Nations League (via FcInterNews).
“This has to be a player who is able to exchange positions with the others and has offensive skills. Barella has it all. But we also have other players who know how to play this role.
“Barella will most likely start.”
On the other hand, Spalletti feels Frattesi is more of a conventional box-to-box midfielder with a knack for goals.
“Barella is more of an attacking midfielder than Frattesi, who is a mezzala.
“Frattesi is certainly very good at getting into the mix. His impressive scoring charts say it all. Then if you want someone who occasionally comes to play in the double pivot, he still has a long way to go.
“So it’s better to put Frattesi in the conditions to be more of a raider as a mezzala.”
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