Midfield dynamo Barella is key to Italy's prospects

Nicolo Barella has been a vital member of Inter Milan's league-winning side this season and as the heart of Italy's midfield engine his dynamism will be crucial for the nation's Euro 2024 hopes.

Barella, 27, is a player used to winning and was a member of the Italian side which lifted the Euro 2020 trophy, and the experience and maturity gained since then will be a major factor in Germany as he comes into his prime.

Manager Luciano Spalletti will rely on Barella, a box-to-box player, not only to set up Italy's attacking play but also to help out in defence, winning back possession and creating counter-attacking moves.

At the last Euros, Barella started five of Italy's six games, including the final, and was left out of their final group game only when Roberto Mancini rested many of his main players after they had won their opening two matches.

In the quarter-final against Belgium he scored the opening goal and set up Lorenzo Insigne for the second in a 2-1 win and now under Spalletti he is yet again an ever-present in the team.

The manager made him captain for a friendly with Ecuador in March and Barella duly responded by netting his first goal for his country since 2022. Clearly, he is a player who relishes responsibility and never shies away from a challenge.

Barella has the leadership qualities needed in midfield and while his competitive spirit and tendency to argue with officials can land him in trouble, he came through the qualifying campaign without a single booking.

Italy face Spain and Croatia, along with Albania in Group B, and Spalletti will need the tough tackling that Barella provides but there is much more to the midfielder's game than strength and stamina.

Barella has the courage to take on players and the