“Barella’s conditions worry us a bit”, Gravina

Credit: Photo by Icon sport

FIGC president Gabriele Gravina admits that Italy is “a little concerned” about Nicolò Barella ahead of Euro 2024, while head of delegation Gigi Buffon says the Inter midfielder will soon undergo further medical tests.

Italy is sweating over Barella’s fitness ahead of Euro 2024, FIGC president Gravina confirmed on Friday. The Nerazzurri star didn’t take part in the friendly against Turkey on Tuesday due to a minor muscle problem, but Gravina’s words suggest that Barella’s injury could be more serious than initially thought. “We are a little concerned about Barella,” said Gravina at the Il Sogno Azzurro Festival della Serie A event in Parma on Friday morning. Buffon also attended the same event, which talked about the Inter and Italy star. “I hope he will be like Gattuso at the 2006 World Cup. He missed the first game, but then he became a protagonist, and at first they wanted to send him home. Nicolò will undergo further tests in the next few days, but he could already be available against Albania,” said the former goalkeeper. The Azzurri will make their Euro 2024 debut next week against Albania at Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund. Barella scored two goals and provided seven assists in 48 appearances in all competitions with Inter in 2023-24. He won the Euro with Italy three years ago and scored nine goals in 53 appearances for the Azzurri.