Italian · Cagliari, Italy · Born 7 February 1997Dynamic Italian box-to-box midfielder whose energy, technique and leadership have made him one of Europe's best midfielders.
Nicolò Barella was born in Cagliari, Italy on 7 February 1997. He came through Cagliari's academy and joined Inter Milan in 2019 for €45 million. He quickly became one of the best midfielders in Serie A — his box-to-box running, passing, shooting and defensive contribution are outstanding. He won the Serie A title in 2021 and 2024, the Coppa Italia, and reached the Champions League final in 2023. He has earned over 55 caps for Italy and was a key player in the Euro 2020 triumph. His energy and all-round ability draw comparisons to Steven Gerrard.
Key midfielder in Italy's Euro 2020 triumph
He was one of the best players at Euro 2020, scoring a brilliant goal against Belgium in the quarter-final as Italy won the tournament.
Did You Know?How They Played
Box-to-box midfielder known for work rate, passing range and defensive contributions
Lasting Impact
Regarded as one of the greatest Italian midfielders of his generation; record seven consecutive Serie A Team of the Year inclusions; won three Serie A titles and three Coppa Italia with Inter Milan.
Career Honours
- Serie A 2x
- Coppa Italia 2x
- Italian Super Cup 2x
- Euro 2020
- Serie A 2021
- Serie A 2024
- Coppa Italia 2022
- Coppa Italia 2023
- Serie A 2020-21
- Serie A 2023-24
- Serie A 2025-26
- Coppa Italia 2021-22
- Coppa Italia 2022-23
- Coppa Italia 2025-26
- Italian Super Cup 2021-22
- Italian Super Cup 2022-23
- Italian Super Cup 2023-24
- UEFA Euro 2020
- Serie A Best Midfielder 2020-21
- Serie A Best Midfielder 2022-23
- Serie A Team of the Year 2018-19 through 2024-25 (7 consecutive)
- Cavaliere OMRI 2021
| Club | Period | Fee | Apps | Goals | Shirt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cagliari | 2015–2020 | — | 109 | 14 | #23 |
| Inter Milan | 2020–2024 | €50M | 9 | 22 | #9 |
| Como | 2016–2016 | loan | 16 | 0 | — |
 Italy | — | — | 58 | 6 | — |
Italian Athletes