'It's not tennis' – Barella unconcerned by Italy rotation role

Italy midfielder Nicolo Barella has no issue with having to fight for his place in the starting XI.

It has been a mixed start to their Nations League campaign for Italy, with Roberto Mancini's side having lost 2-0 to Belgium before crushing Turkiye 4-1 in Bursa, and salvaging a 1-1 draw with France. 

Barella missed out on the matchday squad for the Turkiye trip, and was only used as a substitute in Paris. He has featured for only 108 minutes across the three games so far.

During that time, Barella failed to register a goal or an assist.  

However, he is expected to line up for the Azzurri in Bologna on Monday. 

Speaking to reporters before the game, Barella said: "I am not old, but I do have a lot of games in my legs and have had to learn how to listen to my body.

"Playing 70 games a year, you don't have the same sharpness you did at age 23, but looking at the statistics, I am still one of those who covers the most ground. 

"The only thing I'm lacking for the Nazionale is a few goals. That is where I'm lagging behind."

When asked about his response to not starting against France, Barella simply replied: "This is a team sport, it's not tennis." 

Barella also spoke glowingly of Mancini, who he won the European Championship under in 2021. 

"One of the best things about the coach is that he allows us players to feel a sense of peace. We had some very difficult and not positive experiences in recent years, especially when it comes to me, Gianluigi Donnarumma and Alessandro Bastoni," Barella said. 

"The coach asked us to rediscover our enthusiasm, and I think we are doing that, because otherwise we wouldn't have got back on track in France and then nearly won it at the end."