Nicolò Barella Then and Now
By Cornell Scott / August 25, 2025
As the football world enters 2025, few players embody the heart, intelligence, and relentless drive of Italian football quite like Nicolò Barella.
Now 27 years old, the dynamic midfielder has evolved from a promising talent in Sardinia into one of Inter Milan’s most influential captains and a cornerstone of the Italian national team.
With a career defined by consistency, leadership, and technical brilliance, Barella stands at the peak of his powers—leading by example, dominating midfield battles, and cementing his legacy as one of Italy’s greatest modern midfielders.
Then: The Rise of a Sardinian Warrior (1997–2019)
1. Humble Beginnings in Cagliari
Born on February 7, 1997, in Cagliari, Sardinia, Nicolò Barella grew up in a football-loving family. His father, a former amateur player, introduced him to the game at an early age. From the start, Barella stood out not just for his skill, but for his fearless attitude, stamina, and tactical awareness.
He joined Cagliari’s youth academy at just 8 years old, rising through the ranks with a reputation for being a complete midfielder—combative, intelligent, and technically gifted.
2. Professional Debut and Breakthrough
Barella made his senior debut for Cagliari in 2014 at just 17 years old, becoming one of the youngest players in the club’s history. By 2016, he was a regular starter in Serie B, helping Cagliari earn promotion to Serie A.
In the top flight, he continued to impress:
- Scored 10 goals and 7 assists between 2017–2019
- Developed a reputation for late runs into the box, long-range shooting, and tireless pressing
- Named Serie A Best Young Player (2018)
His performances attracted attention from Europe’s elite clubs, but it was Inter Milan that secured his signature.
Related: Joško Gvardiol Then and Now
The Rise: Establishing Himself at Inter Milan (2019–2023)
1. A €22 Million Statement Signing
In July 2019, Inter Milan signed Barella on a €22 million deal (with add-ons), marking him as a key piece in Antonio Conte’s rebuild. The move was seen as a vote of confidence in Italian talent during an era of rising foreign imports.
Barella adapted instantly:
- Excelled in Conte’s 3-5-2 system as a box-to-box midfielder
- Combined defensive grit with attacking flair
- Became known for crucial goals, relentless pressing, and leadership
2. Scudetto Hero and Champions League Finalist
By 2020–21, Barella was central to Inter’s historic Serie A title win—their first in 11 years. He scored 7 goals and provided 5 assists, including a stunning solo goal against Juventus that went viral.
In 2023, he played a pivotal role as Inter reached the UEFA Champions League final, facing Manchester City. Though they lost, Barella’s performance—dictating tempo, winning duels, and creating chances—earned widespread acclaim.
3. International Breakthrough with Italy
Barella made his senior debut for Italy in 2019 under Roberto Mancini and quickly became a fixture in the midfield.
He was instrumental in Italy’s UEFA Euro 2020 triumph, starting every match and delivering a man-of-the-match performance in the semifinal against Spain. His energy, passing accuracy, and composure under pressure were vital to Italy’s success.
He also played key roles in:
- UEFA Nations League (2021, 2023)
- FIFA World Cup qualifiers
- UEFA Euro 2024 – where Italy reached the quarterfinals
By 2024, he had over 60 caps and was widely regarded as the spiritual leader of the national team.
Related: Matheus Nunes Then and Now
Now: Captaincy, Maturity, and Legacy (2024–2025)
1. Inter Milan’s New Captain
In 2024, following the departure of long-time captain Lautaro Martínez (in a surprise transfer), Barella was officially named captain of Inter Milan—a symbolic and deserved honor.
As captain, he has:
- Led Inter to back-to-back Serie A titles (2023, 2024)
- Guided a younger squad through transition
- Maintained elite performance levels despite increasing physical demands
In the 2024–25 season, Barella continues to be the heartbeat of Inter’s midfield, averaging:
- 85%+ pass accuracy
- 3+ key passes per game
- 2+ tackles and interceptions
- Crucial goals in tight matches
His ability to dictate tempo, break lines with through balls, and defend with intensity makes him one of the most complete midfielders in Europe.
2. Tactical Evolution: From Engine to Maestro
Once known primarily for his energy and runs from deep, Barella has evolved into a more intelligent, positionally disciplined midfielder under Simone Inzaghi. In 2025, he often operates as a deep-lying playmaker or regista, using his vision to control games.
He’s also improved his:
- Left-foot usage
- Set-piece delivery
- Defensive positioning
- Leadership in high-pressure moments
His chemistry with Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Hakan Çalhanoğlu, and young talents like Kristjan Asllani has kept Inter competitive in both domestic and European competitions.
3. Ballon d’Or Recognition and Global Status
While never a flashy headline-grabber, Barella’s consistency has earned him Ballon d’Or consideration. In 2023 and 2024, he finished in the Top 25, a rare feat for a non-striker and a testament to his influence.
He’s been praised by legends like Andrea Pirlo and Gennaro Gattuso, who call him “the perfect modern Italian midfielder.”
Related: Wesley Fofana Then and Now
Personal Life and Character
Barella remains one of football’s most grounded and humble stars. He is married to Federica Caputo, a childhood friend, and they have a daughter, Vittoria, born in 2022. The family splits time between Milan and Sardinia, where Barella maintains strong ties to his roots.
He’s known for:
- His work ethic – often first to training, last to leave
- His emotional connection to Cagliari and Sardinia
- His charity work, including youth football initiatives in southern Italy
Despite fame, he avoids social media drama and focuses on performance, family, and loyalty.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
Nicolò Barella represents a renaissance of Italian midfield excellence. In an era dominated by flashy attackers and defensive specialists, Barella proves that the complete, all-action midfielder is not only alive but thriving.
He embodies the modern Italian identity in football:
- Technically sound
- Tactically intelligent
- Physically relentless
- Mentally tough
He’s also a symbol of homegrown success—a player who rose through the Italian youth system, stayed loyal to his roots, and achieved greatness without leaving Italy for England or Spain.
His journey inspires young players across Sardinia and southern Italy, proving that talent, discipline, and passion can lead to the very top.
Related: Kalvin Phillips Then and Now
Conclusion: Nicolò Barella – Then and Now (2025)
- Then: A 17-year-old from Cagliari, fighting for minutes in Serie B, dreaming of Serie A.
- Now: Captain of Inter Milan, international stalwart, and one of the most respected midfielders in world football.
In 2025, Nicolò Barella is no longer just a player.
He is a leader, a symbol, and a standard-bearer for Italian football.
His story is one of loyalty, evolution, and quiet dominance—not built on headlines, but on every pass, every tackle, every heartbeat on the pitch.
As Inter and Italy look to the future, one thing is certain:
The engine of Italian midfield will keep running—as long as Nicolò Barella is on the field.
🇮🇹 “I don’t need the spotlight. I just need the ball, my team, and the will to fight.” – Nicolò Barella
Related: Lisandro Martínez Then and Now