How Italy Star’s Injury Allowed Inter Milan Midfielder To Shine In Coppa Italia Showdown Vs Udinese

An injury to Nicolo Barella gave the chance to Kristjan Asllani to start – and make a big impact – for Inter Milan against Udinese.

This according to today’s print edition of Turin-based newspaper Tuttosport, via FCInterNews.

Inter midfielder Kristjan Asllani got the nod in the starting eleven against Udinese in the Coppa Italia yesterday.

The Albanian had not necessarily looked likely to start initially.

Reportedly, Inter coach Simone Inzaghi was leaning towards starting Hakan Calhanoglu in holding midfield rather than Asllani.

The coach wanted to have the Turk’s steady presence alongside Piotr Zielinski and Davide Frattesi.

Nicolo Barella Injury Gives Kristjan Asllani The Chance To Start Vs Udinese

Yesterday, though, Inter midfielder Barella underwent tests with the club’s medical staffs.

And these showed that the 27-year-old has suffered a thigh injury.

Therefore, Barella will miss next Monday’s Serie A clash with Como. He is also in some doubt to face Cagliari the following weekend.

Therefore, there are plenty of doubts about the midfield for Inzaghi.

As such, the Inter coach will really be leaning on Calhanoglu in the next couple of matches.

For that reason, the 30-year-old did not start yesterday. This was to avoid risking injury or fatigue.

And Asllani made the most of his chance in the starting eleven.

The 22-year-old put in a positive performance. And he capped off a positive performance by scoring Inter’s second goal directly from a corner.