Parma defender Mariano Troilo has received his inaugural call-up to the Argentina national team squad, a development that Italian media outlets are interpreting as ‘revenge’ against Inter midfielder Nicolo Barella. This narrative stems from a heated on-pitch confrontation between the two players at the close of the 2026-27 season.
The San Siro Confrontation
The incident in question occurred during an Inter versus Parma match towards the end of the 2026-27 campaign, a game where Inter secured the Scudetto with a 2-0 victory at San Siro. Troilo and Barella clashed multiple times during the latter stages of the match. The dispute reportedly began when Troilo trod on Barella’s foot, escalating into an argument and some pushing within the penalty area.
The verbal exchange continued for several minutes. After Barella was substituted, he reportedly spoke to a teammate on the bench, recounting part of the spat. He is said to have referenced Italy’s World Cup play-off heartbreak, stating: “Do you know what he told me? ‘Shut up, Bobo, you’re out of the World Cup’.” Barella then reportedly added a dismissive comment about Troilo’s recognition in Argentina.
A Timely Call-Up
Despite Barella’s reported remarks, it is Troilo who now celebrates a significant career milestone with his first senior international call-up. The 23-year-old centre-back has been in strong form for Parma, contributing to the club’s recent consecutive Serie A clean sheets.
Troilo is one of seven Serie A players included in the latest Argentina national team squad, highlighting the talent pool available to manager Lionel Scaloni from Italy’s top flight. For Troilo, this call-up not only marks a personal achievement but also, as Italian media suggest, offers a symbolic retort to the past on-field animosity.