Barella: “We should have finished it off sooner but we’re happy”

MILAN - It was an intense and busy game for Nicolò Barella who put in a total performance against Sampdoria. He was a linchpin in midfield and did a lot to help in attack in the first half. In the second half, he did a lot to help control the tempo in a match that became more difficult. “We should have finished it off sooner, to keep these games open until the very end can be dangerous,” he explained after the final whistle. “It went well though and we’re happy with the result.”

Barella played alongside Gagliardini who sat behind and covered for Eriksen who was in a more advanced role. “I felt good with that, we’ve been trying this system for a while to help Christian. Me and Brozovic always look to help him and give him the ball. The Coach always tells us that we need to be more ruthless in front of goal. We all need to act on that and find more confidence so that we can finish games off.”