Italy legend gives his verdict on Azzurri midfield duo and Frattesi Inter status

Marco Tardelli feels Davide Frattesi has done enough to deserve a starting spot at Inter and is impressed by Samuele Ricci’s personality.

Former Italy midfielder Marco Tardelli, a 1982 Italy World Cup winner, feels Frattesi, Italy’s best scorer in the Luciano Spalletti era, should be a starter at Inter.

Frattesi scored two goals during the international break, inspiring Italy’s victories over France and Israel.

“Frattesi needs trust from Inter, too. There aren’t many players like him,” Tardelli told Gazzetta.

“Inzaghi has many strong players. The trio in midfield—Barella, Calhanoglu, and Mkhitaryan—is a certainty. I can’t tell Simone who to play, but everyone’s seeing what Frattesi is doing. He makes a difference, and he deserves trust.

“He’s one of the new midfielders who knows how to be in the right place at the right time. The goal he scored with his chest against Israel proves it. He’s always there. He knows how to make late runs and play vertically. He attacks, defends and scores crucial goals. He was decisive last season despite not being a starter. He has great courage.”

There is, however, room for improvement for the ex-Sassuolo star.

Italy legend gives verdict on Azzurri midfield duo and Frattesi Inter status

“Especially in handling the ball and focusing, the midfield is a barrier,” noted Tardelli.

“Everything passes from there, but a player like him gives any coach multiple options, and Inzaghi knows this well.”

Tardelli expects Frattesi to be “a starter” alongside his Inter teammate Nicolò Barella for Italy’s national team in the coming years.

“They’ll have requests from big foreign clubs, but we should allow them to leave,” he said.

Barella was not involved in the September break as he underwent nose surgery, but another midfielder caught Tardelli’s eye during the break.

“Samuele Ricci of Torino. I was impressed by his personality against France and Israel. He showed no fear,” he concluded.