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Nicolo Barella is set to MISS both games of Inter Milan’s Champions League clash with Liverpool after UEFA banned the Italian midfielder for two matches for hitting Real Madrid’s Eder Militao
- Midfielder Nicolo Barella unlikely to play any role when Inter Milan take on Liverpool
- The Italian holder was sent off in their last Champions League group stage game
- The Serie A favorites reportedly chose not to appeal his two-match ban
- Barella’s ban is a boost for the Reds ahead of their Round of 16 first leg
Nicolo Barella will miss Inter Milan’s Champions League Round of 16 against Liverpool after UEFA told Serie A leaders the Italian midfielder will miss two games for his controversial red card in the group stage , according to a report.
The 24-year-old has been an almost ever-present for Inter this season, playing in all but 44 Champions League openers so far – including a bizarre dismissal.
After tangling with Real Madrid’s Eder Militao as he contested the ball, Barella hit the defender in the leg in an incident which saw his opponents take on the Inter stalwart before referee Felix Brych does not produce the red card.
Nicolo Barella and Eder Militao clashed after clashing in the Champions League
The Inter Milan midfielder was tried for kicking the Real Madrid defender in the leg
UEFA’s Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Committee now appears to have ordered Barella to miss both games in the Italian giants’ opener in this season’s knockout stage, with Gazzetta saying Inter will not would not appeal.
A ruling document shared by the tournament organizers’ outlet shows that Brych’s report recorded Barella’s unusual transgression as an “assault”, warranting a more than one game ban.
The absence of a player seen as a future Inter captain is a blow to Simone Inzaghi as the Nerazzurri boss plots the fall of Premier League hopes.
Liverpool are formidable visitors to the San Siro for the first leg on February 16 after completing a perfect group stage campaign, winning all six of their matches.
Liverpool will be boosted by Barella ban ahead of their Round of 16 with the Italian giants
Inter finished five points behind Madrid in Group D after losing both games against the La Liga favourites.
The reigning Italian champions have reached the knockout stages for the first time in a decade and are also set to be without injured striker Joaquin Correa for the first leg.
Barella’s punishment was deemed severe by some on the evening of the 1-0 loss at the Bernabeu on December 7 that ended their hopes of winning the group.
Champions League newcomer Inzaghi leads his side to Anfield for the return leg on March 8.
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