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 on 7 February 1997 in Cagliari, Italy, and began playing football at three and a half years old, idolising Serbian midfielder Dejan Stanković, who would later become his manager at Inter Milan. He joined Cagliari's youth academy and made his first-team debut for the Sardinian club, quickly establishing himself as one of the most dynamic and combative young midfielders in Italian football. Barella's tireless work rate, box-to-box energy, and eye for a decisive pass earned him a move to Inter Milan in 2019, where he became a key figure in the club's resurgence under a series of managers, helping Inter win the 2020-21 Serie A title. He has since been named Serie A's Best Midfielder on multiple occasions, in recognition of his consistency, technical range, and ability to influence matches at both ends of the pitch. Barella has been central to Inter's run of domestic and European success in the years since, contributing goals and assists from midfield as the club reached multiple Champions League finals. He surpassed 200 Serie A appearances for the club, a milestone reflecting both his durability and his status as one of the first names on the team sheet under successive Inter managers. Barella has earned dozens of caps for Italy, establishing himself as a regular in the national team's midfield since his debut, and continues to be regarded as one of the finest all-around central midfielders in Serie A, combining defensive diligence with a genuine attacking threat.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cagliari | 2014–2020 | €45m | 105 | 7 |
| Como | 2016–2016 | loan | 16 | 0 |
| Inter Milan | 2020–Present | €45m | — | — |
 Italy | — | — | 58 | 6 |
Italian Athletes