Italian Journalist Feels Inter Milan Veteran Embodies Italy EURO 2024 Mediocrity: “Average Player, You Either Have Character Or You Don’t”

Italian journalist Riccardo Trevisani insists Inter Milan defender Matteo Darmian is an average player who depicts the major issues that Italy is enduring.

The 34-year-old was one of five Nerazzurri players who made the cut in Luciano Spalletti’s EURO 2024 squad. Francesco Acerbi would have been the sixth if it wasn’t for his injury.

Nevertheless, the Azzurri endured a miserable defense campaign. They rallied from behind to beat Albania in their opening fixture, but it proved to be their solitary win in the tournament.

Italy eventually suffered elimination at the hands of Switzerland in the Round of 16 on the back of a listless display.

Darmian was in the starting lineup, replacing his injured Inter teammate Federico Dimarco on the left flank.

For his part, Trevisani pinpoints the former Man United man as a perfect reflection of the national team’s mediocrity.

“The coach cannot give you character. He can give you a starting place, he can give you confidence. But either you have the character or you don’t,” said the journalist in his interview with Cronache di Spogliatoio via FcInter1908.

“In 2016, Darmian missed the penalty against Germany. Antonio Conte was on the bench.

Riccardo Trevisani Believes Matteo Darmian Depicts Italy Woes At EURO 2024

“This is Darmian, he always stops his run plays the ball backward or goes for a cross. It’s not like he gives you backheel shots.

“So what do Euro 2016 and Euro 2024 have in common? Darmian played in both.

“It’s not really his fault, but Darmian is the symbol of Italy’s failures. He’s an average player and we’re putting him in the national team.”