Inter, two irreplaceable Counts on a Guardian list three years ago

Football Italy is no longer necessarily a country for old people, or at least is trying not to be and to shake this annoying label off. Almost three years ago (it was January 2017) the Guardian has compiled a list of the 50 most promising Serie A players.

With the help of the FPF the clubs have begun to scrutinize more closely in their own homes, in order to identify and grow future champions without having to pay them at the gold price. The Guardian scouting had taken into consideration the best talents on Italian soil at that time. Only prerogative that they were born starting from 1 January 1995.

The thing that catches the eye spouting the names included in the prestigious selection is that Inter is very present. There is Gabriel Barbosa, of which the Guardian points out the difficulty of integrating in the A series but with the real possibility – once tactically regulated – of "being able to burn the world".

There is Keita Balde, which at the time played in Lazio, there is Andrea Pinamonti (his Guardian wrote a strong thing: "it is not beyond the real possibility that this young man can emulate Icardi – with more humility"), who now plays in Genoa and there is also Milan Skriniar, who played in Sampdoria and who in this selection had found space despite his difficult beginnings in Italian football (first with Montella, then with Giampaolo and finally – but this the Guardian could not have imagined yet – with Spalletti the rise to defender more desired by the big clubs).

Not all the players included in that list are still Nerazzurri, but what matters is that those of greater prospect and that at the time were not of Inter are now. Two names above all, wanted for the summer market of Antonio Conte this summer. Two names that in the Guardian had ripped out important judgments and comparisons. Two names that have become irreplaceable in the formation of Conte.

“Born and raised in the capital of Sardinia, Nicolò Barella's career has been faithful to rossoblu. Barella signed for his club at the age of eight. Since then he has developed into what in the Serie A they call the role of an all-camper – a handyman in midfield. His technique, his composure, his vision between the lines and his ability with punishments allow him to work effectively when he has to create play, while his dynamism, his determination and the reading of the game make him a destroyer of midfield equally efficient. He played a key role in Italy's run in the European Under-19 Championship final during the summer and in the return of Cagliari to Serie A. His form attracted Inter's attention and Alessandro Del Piero's compliments. Cagliari has one of Italy's most brilliant prospects in Barella ”, wrote the Guardian in 2017.