From San Siro, speaking to DAZN, Stramaccioni commented on the break and topics related to Inter on the eve of the match against Parma. The former coach emphasized how the Nerazzurri players involved with the Italian National Team experienced the period with enthusiasm, mentioning in particular Esposito, who has established himself as a starter in attack.
“The break like this is an absolute novelty,” said Stramaccioni. “They all come back with high spirits, it’s true that Chivu had them for only two training sessions and that’s an unknown.”
On Bastoni’s performance with the National Team, the verdict is clear: “He’s experiencing his best moment, he’s a leader: Mancini will build the defense of the future around him. The goal against France was extraordinary: at this moment, I felt it too having followed the National Team, he has a beaming smile and he deserves it.”
On the choice of Pio Esposito as a starter, Stramaccioni explained: “It’s the right choice, he’s being given continuity also with foresight because there will be many matches: it’s right to also give continuity to Thuram, there’s a lot of psychology in these choices.” And about Pio he added: “Pio is equally extraordinary: 7 goals in 13 matches for the National Team at his age is among the best around, he’s indispensable. And by making him a starter, Chivu is giving him an endorsement.”
He concluded his thoughts on Barella: “He’s one of Mancini’s standard-bearers: he was overwhelmed by the disastrous 30 minutes against Belgium, but he’s a pillar of the National Team. As an Italian, I say he’s one of the players who represents us.”
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