Italy & Inter Milan Midfielder Puts In A Shift Vs Bosnia & Herzegovina Before Fatigue Takes Its Toll
· Yahoo Sports
Inter Milan star Nicolo Barella produced a strong performance in Italy’s fateful FIFA World Cup playoff tie against Bosnia & Herzegovina.
According to Corriere dello Sport via FCInterNews, the diminutive midfielder was impressive before running out of steam in the second half.
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Gennaro Gattuso failed to break the Azzurri’s playoff curse.
Despite Italy’s strong pre-match favoritism, Bosnia came out on top of a bizarre penalty shootout in Zenica to qualify for this summer’s tournament.
Meanwhile, the four-time world champions have stumbled in the qualification playoffs for the third time in a row.
Unfortunately, Alessandro Bastoni bears the lion’s share of the blame, having received a straight red card toward the end of the first half.
Nicolo Barella Fares Well in Italy Heartbreaking FIFA World Cup Qualifying Loss
Bastoni’s mindless tackle on Amar Memic backfired, leaving Italy a man down in the second half.
On the other hand, Nicolo Barella emerged as one of the Azzurri’s standout performance before Bastoni’s expulsion.
Indeed, he set up Fiorentina striker Moise Kean for the opening goal.
Furthermore, the former Cagliari midfielder tried to drive Italy forward, linking up play in midfield and looking comfortable in possession.
However, fatigue took its toll on the 29-year-old after the break, while Bosnia’s relentless press derailed his attacking contribution.