The Italian national team has surpassed expectations in the Euro 2020 tournament as the Azzurri is now in the semifinal round, where it will take on Spain.
Many have singled out Italy’s midfield unit as the catalyst behind its run to the semifinals.
For one, Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Marco Verratti has stepped up to the occasion in this tournament, as he has sported a keen 4.0 key passes per game average over three matches played.
Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella is much appreciative of playing alongside not only Verratti but also Chelsea midfielder Jorginho, which he touched upon further during a press conference ahead of the Spain match (via Eurosport).
“We do an important job for the team, the fulcrum of everything is the group, the common strength of purpose,” Barella said. “This is what we will try to bring until the end of the competition and over the years.
“The midfield is the department where the game passes. Jorginho and [Marco] Verratti are two phenomena and they try to get the team going.”
Verratti is slated to start in the upcoming showdown against Spain, where he may be tasked with helping to contain a formidable midfield unit that features the likes of veteran Sergio Busquets and coveted talent Pedri.
The Italian midfielder faced the two earlier this year when PSG and Barcelona clashed in the UEFA Champions League round of 16.
Want more PSG? Visit the PSG Talk Podcast Network page and subscribe to PSG Talking, The 1970, and 24th & Parc.
