Italy Nations League Hero A “Paradox” For Inter Milan – Turned Down Roma, Juventus & Atletico Madrid Offers But Still Not Starting Regularly

Inter Milan turned down bids from Roma, Juventus, and Atletico Madrid for Davide Frattesi despite his not being a regular starter.

Italian outlet FCInterNews describe the 24-year-old’s situation at the Nerazzurri as a “paradox.” All the more so considering his outstanding form for the Italian national team.

Midfielder Frattesi gave a demonstration of his quality in yesterday’s Nations League clash between Italy and France.

The Inter midfielder was right at the heart of the Azzurri’s fightback from conceding a goal within a minute of play.

Despite that early setback, Italy were able to overrun France in midfield. And Frattesi was emblematic of their direct, high-intensity approach.

The 24-year-old has become a key player for Italy, under both Roberto Mancini and now Luciano Spalletti.

When the Azzurri look to play at a high tempo and go very direct. Frattesi is a player who the coach turns to in order to set the tone in midfield.

Inter Rejected Roma, Juventus & Atletico Madrid Bids For Frattesi Despite Not Regularly Starting

As FCIN notes, however, there is a “paradox” between Frattesi’s club and international careers.

The former Sassuolo midfielder actually does not regularly start for Inter despite doing so for Italy.

Frattesi has had plenty of chances to impact matches from the bench. And he has done so.

But it has proven very difficult for the Italian international to get chances in the starting eleven ahead of Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Hakan Calhanoglu, and Nicolo Barella.

Therefore, Frattesi has received some transfer interest over the summer.

As FCIN note, there is a feeling that the 24-year-old would be a first-choice starter for any other team in Serie A, as well as many of Europe’s biggest teams.

Therefore, all of Roma, Juventus, and Atletico tested the waters over the summer. They sensed a possible opportunity to take advantage of Frattesi’s relative lack of playing time.

But from the Nerazzurri’s perspective, having a player like Frattesi who’s not a regular starter is an important luxury.

The 24-year-old does still play regularly even if it’s usually as a substitute. And over the course of the season he’ll certainly have the motivation to fight to start more often.

This along with the summer arrival of Piotr Zielinski is emblematic of Inter’s plans in midfield.

The Nerazzurri want plenty of quality and depth. And if that means that a player of Frattesi’s quality isn’t starting all that often, that is a feature rather than a bug.