The whole island celebrates Barella, the leader of the Azzurri
CAGLIARI. The European championships are giving Nicolò Barella the international level footballer’s license. The definitive consecration for a 24 year old boy who has brilliantly passed all the steps.
The goal against Belgium, the play that put the quarter-final downhill, is the signature of a champion who has come a long way since he started (at just three and a half years old) in the football school named after Gigi Riva. Perhaps it will never become the myth that represents Rombodituono for the Sardinians and not only, but on Friday night he pushed the fans to take to the streets to celebrate by chanting his name. And there is a region, his Sardinia, which feels even more affection and enthusiasm for the blue jersey thanks to the presence of Barella.
The midfielder, in the history of football, is the first islander to have scored a goal in the final phase of a European or world competition. In the past, Cuccureddu, Zola (he came close, but missed a penalty against Germany) and Salvatore Sirigu, goalkeeper, had participated.
On Friday hundreds of people poured into Piazza Yenne in Cagliari, a historic meeting point for fans since the time of the Scudetto. But also in Sassari, in Piazzale Segni, the horns blew until very late in the evening, as well as the tricolor flags waved from the car windows.
Nicolò’s parents were also present at the Allianz Arena in Munich. Dad and mom left Cagliari on Friday morning, reached Munich and got excited at the stadium, let alone when they saw Nicolò cheer. They had already seen the three games played in Rome but they had not gone to London and will probably not be present for the semifinal. And if Italy were to go further, we’ll see. They applauded, they were delighted but without exaggeration, as in their lifestyle. Never over the top, little media exposure. His wife, Federica, saw her husband on television. She has to look after her three children. She is shy too, no interviews. No declaration. Continuous calls that Nicolò makes at home, he constantly asks about the children that his wife gives him on the phone. And he just melts to hear their voices. Nicolò is only 24 years old but has a strong sense for the family.
Stretcher like Tardelli. Not for the exultation but for characteristics. Ready to seize the moment, to strike, to fight for every ball as if it were the one of life. The Sardinian midfielder has shown he can do many things, for himself and for the team. He is a modern player who never spares himself. He carries the island roots inside. He has a sense of play, technique, always dares and without fear of making mistakes. He is a candidate for the role of future Inter captain. He is predestined, as Gigi Riva said.
It was Gianfranco Matteoli who brought Barella to Cagliari. and another Gianfranco, Zola, to launch him in the first team. Gigi Riva to explain to him the importance of wearing the rossoblù shirt. He then established himself in Cagliari led by Tommaso Giulini, and was the youngest captain in the history of a club that retains a special place in his heart, despite the fact that his colors are now Nerazzurri. Unforgettable the gesture of regret when in the last championship he first scored Inter’s equalizer at the “Sardegna Arena” and then gave the assist for overtaking. He almost apologized. The confirmation of the nobility of soul of a boy who feels he is a special son of Sardinia.
The race for the European Championship continues. Barella is ready to write an important page in the history of Italian football. The Azzurri have not won this trophy for 53 years. It was 1968 and a certain Gigi Riva played in the national team, who can be considered his football father. He would be the first to compliment him if the dream came true. Nicolò and Italy believe in it. Sardinia, all of it, will push its pupil.
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