Lautaro and Barella under pressure to lead Inter Milan

After defeats against Udinese and Juventus, the first Champions League group match weighs heavily: only Lautaro Martinez and Nicolò Barella can spark Inter Milan

All eyes are on Lautaro Martinez and Nicolò Barella, the two leaders of the team who must carry Inter Milan forward.

Inter Milan needs a jolt. After defeats to Udinese and Juventus, the first of the eight Champions League group matches takes on even greater importance. 

Inter Milan needs pragmatism: leaders must set the tone

The tension and pressure around the Nerazzurri environment must be swept away — only a victory would restore calm at Appiano. All eyes are firmly fixed on Lautaro Martinez and Nicolò Barella, the team’s two leaders.

“Inter Milan must be more pragmatic, even at the cost of appearing less stylish. Once again, it will be Lautaro Martinez and Nicolò Barella who sound the charge, as the highest-ranking figures in the dressing room. 

Of course, sending the right message in tone and clarity to teammates is important, but above all they must lead by example in training and on the pitch,” highlights Corriere dello Sport via Fcinter1908.

That is something the Nerazzurri captain has almost never lacked. At the Stadium, worn out by his overseas trip in the previous days, he was a little short of breath and his performance suffered. 

Unlike last season, however, he has quickly given reassuring physical signals to the coaching staff. Expectations are high: since goals must be weighed as well as counted, it would be important for him to restart with his signature on the first Champions League game of the season.

Barella also knows how precious his contribution can be to Inter Milan’s European mission. Last year, on the international stage, he showed his best version. 

The number 23 is one of the team’s most representative players, but that has not spared him from criticism, even after his appearances with the national team. 

Chivu likely has some formation changes in mind, though barring surprises they should not affect them.

All teammates would benefit from a strong showing of personality from the locker room pillars. Their central role in the project is guaranteed: the coach, in fact, hopes to see in them first and foremost the signs of the mentality shift he has repeatedly demanded. The call for pragmatism applies to Inter Milan’s captain and his vice as much as anyone.