Nicolò Barella has revealed his ambition to end his playing days at Inter Milan while preparing to adopt a modified approach to his game for the 2026-27 campaign. The midfielder, who turns 30 during the upcoming season, enters his eighth year at the club after joining from Cagliari in 2019.
Chivu demands greater leadership
With club captain Lautaro Martinez currently absent from pre-season activities, head coach Cristian Chivu has urged Barella to “act a bit like a captain” and exert greater influence within the squad. Barella acknowledged the request, noting that Chivu has shown him “incredible trust” since taking charge of the team.
The Italy international stressed that experienced players should naturally guide younger teammates, though he does not feel compelled to force himself as a mandatory reference point. “If someone wants to talk to me, I’m happy,” he explained.
Tactical evolution at 29
Barella outlined plans to refine his physical approach as he moves deeper into his career. Having arrived at the San Siro as a 23-year-old, he now intends to play in a “smarter” manner, managing his energy more conservatively while maintaining his defensive contributions.
“Our playing style, with the wing-backs helping us push forward, allows me to do this,” he said. “I’m 29 now, not 23 like when I arrived.”
Domestic dominance and European dreams
Inter approach the new term as defending champions of both Serie A and the Coppa Italia following their 2025-26 domestic double. Barella confirmed that the squad targets a repeat of those triumphs alongside Supercoppa success, but stressed that the Champions League remains the ultimate ambition.
The Nerazzurri fell in the Round of 32 last season and have twice reached the final in recent years without lifting the trophy. When asked about European objectives, Barella replied with a single word: “dream.”
“Getting so close twice and not being able to touch it is something that has never sat right with me,” he added. “We know that, compared to other teams that spend hundreds of millions, we always have to make an extra effort.”
Squad depth and returning faces
The midfield group has been reinforced by the return of Aleksandar Stanković from Club Brugge, while Croatian international Petar Sucic prepares for his second campaign at the club. Barella praised both colleagues, describing Sucic as having “football in his blood” and highlighting Stanković’s maturity after gaining experience abroad.
Barella, who serves as Inter’s vice-captain and record assist provider, recently celebrated the domestic double with “a good bottle of wine, a 1999 Henri Jayer.” He concluded by reflecting on his journey: “I could have done even better, but I’m proud of the journey so far.”