Inter midfielder Barella: ‘We must play same game against Atletico as Milan’

Inter midfielder Nicolò Barella underlined the need for substance over style as the Nerazzurri prepare for a decisive Champions League meeting with Atletico Madrid, insisting the team must reproduce the attitude shown in Sunday’s derby despite the defeat.

Speaking to Amazon Prime Video shortly before kick-off, with quotes via FCInterNews, Barella acknowledged the similarities between the two sides.

“Milan and Atletico Madrid have similar styles,” he said.

“We compared them, and we need to play the same game as Sunday, the only thing missing was the goal.”

The midfielder stressed that Inter’s approach would not change, even if pragmatism may be required.

“We try to play beautiful football and we shouldn’t lose that, but scoring is what counts.”

Barella also reflected on his message to the squad over the last few days, emphasising the need to stay balanced after the derby setback.

“Football is like this, when things go well you come on TV and laugh, but in the dressing room you need positivity. Negativity helps no one,” he explained.

“The defeat to Milan stays with us because we came away with nothing, but the league is long and so is the Champions League.”

With four games left in the League Phase, Barella was clear about the objective. “We’ll try to finish top,” he added, as Inter look to assert themselves in a tightly contested league table.