Barella hopes to score more goals in Italy.

Italian midfielder Barella said at a press conference that he really wants to score more goals for the national team, and also said that coach Mancini has created a peaceful atmosphere in the team and has been working hard to help the "Azzurri" regain their passion.

Italy will host Türkiye in the fourth round of the 2026/27 UEFA Nations League Group A group stage.

In the earlier third round of group matches, Italy, after falling behind by one goal, managed to equalize through Bastoni and ultimately drew 1-1 with Zidane's France.

The 29-year-old Barella said, "I'm not that old yet, but I've played a lot of games and I have to learn to listen to my body. Playing 70 games a year, it's impossible to maintain the same level of alertness as when I was 23. But statistically, I'm still one of the players who covers the most distance in the team."

"If there's anything I'm lacking for the Italian national team right now, it's a few goals. I'm definitely lacking in that area."

Speaking about head coach Mancini, Barella shared, "The best thing about the coach is that he can make us players feel calm. In the past few years, we have experienced very difficult and unpleasant things, especially for me, Donnarumma and Bastoni."

"The coach asked us to rediscover our passion for football, and I think we are doing that. Otherwise, we wouldn't have been able to bounce back in France and even almost score a last-minute winner."

In the previous group stage match against Turkey away from home, Italy defeated Vincenzo Montella's team 4-1 with goals from Bastoni, Fratesse, Caiode and Pio Esposito.

Barella continued, "Calhanoglu is a top player. I first knew him as an opponent, and then we became teammates. He is a leader, so his absence is a huge loss for Turkey."

"However, they have other players we should be wary of. Türkiye's recent results must have been very frustrating for them, and they must be eager to prove themselves in a match."

In addition, Barella said, "I don't know whether this schedule is good or bad. On the positive side, we have more time to train together and can better understand the coach's tactics."

"But at the same time, the away journey is very long. We play a game almost every two days and often return very late, so these factors must also be taken into account."

Image source: Internet