Can Inter Milan Achieve the Dream of Four Number 10s at the European Championship? Barella Could Be a Surprise While Veterans Opt Out

This morning, Sky Sports stirred the pot again with the news that Beppe Marotta might succeed Steven Zhang as Inter Milan's new president. This speculation has been around since the ownership transition began, and given that the board meeting is scheduled for tomorrow, it's worth waiting for the official announcement.

Another significant piece of news today involves Italy's head coach, Luciano Spalletti. When asked by reporters whether Lorenzo Pellegrini deserves to wear Italy’s prestigious number 10 jersey, Spalletti replied, "Pellegrini could wear the number 10, just like Barella could, because Barella's football surprises you and exceeds your expectations!" This response was unexpected, as the question was meant to praise Roma’s star, but ended up highlighting Barella.

The Significance of the Number 10 Jersey

The number 10 jersey is one of the most coveted in football, symbolizing not just honor but also recognition and status. For Nicolo Barella, missing out on playing in a World Cup is a significant regret. However, he has participated in four international tournaments: the 2016 U19 European Championship in Germany, the 2017 U20 World Cup in South Korea, the 2019 U21 European Championship in Italy, and the 2020 European Championship. During these tournaments, Barella's jersey numbers evolved from 4 to 18, reflecting his changing roles on the pitch from a defensive player to a central figure and sometimes even a game-changer. His performance for Italy, with 9 goals and 9 assists in 53 appearances, has lived up to the coaches' expectations.

If Barella were to wear the number 10 jersey in the 2024 European Championship, it would signify a significant rise in his recognition and status. This number is not handed out lightly. Currently, many Inter fans are debating how many of their players will don the number 10 in this European Championship. While the prospect of having four number 10s seems unlikely, having 2-3 players wearing the number is a plausible scenario.

Confirmed Number 10s and Potential Candidates

Among those confirmed to wear the number 10 jersey is Hakan Çalhanoğlu from Turkey. Çalhanoğlu has been Turkey’s number 10 in previous tournaments. This morning, Turkey’s head coach Vincenzo Montella praised Çalhanoğlu, saying, "He is stronger now than he was when I coached him at AC Milan. You could see his great desire even then. Over the years, he has become more complete, finding a tactical role suitable for high-level competition. He has grown into a safer, more mature, stronger, and more comprehensive player for us, and he will be an added value for Turkey." This endorsement makes it clear that Çalhanoğlu will retain his number 10 jersey.

Another hopeful candidate is Piotr Zielinski, who, although not officially an Inter player yet, is expected to join the club. Zielinski has worn the number 20 jersey for Poland in past tournaments. However, in the past year, he has frequently donned the number 10 for the national team. Many Polish fans are calling for him to make this change permanent, especially since the previous number 10, Grzegorz Krychowiak, has had a tumultuous career due to non-sporting factors.

Krychowiak, who shone at Sevilla and joined Paris Saint-Germain in 2016, struggled in subsequent years, including a stint at West Bromwich Albion. He later moved to the Russian Premier League, where he performed well but faced challenges due to geopolitical issues. Following FIFA sanctions, Krychowiak had to change clubs multiple times, eventually ending up in the Saudi Pro League. This instability has significantly impacted his national team appearances, with only two caps since 2023 compared to 98 before that. Consequently, many fans are urging Zielinski to take over the number 10 jersey.

Veterans and Their Number Preferences

Among other notable players, there is Marko Arnautović. Many Austrian fans and pundits believe Arnautović should wear the number 10 jersey. However, the veteran prefers the number 7, considering it his lucky number, as reflected in his social media handles.

There are also calls from Albanian fans for Kristjan Asllani to wear the number 10 jersey. Over the past year, Asllani’s national team number has progressively decreased from 21 to 14 and now to 8, indicating his rising status. However, realistically, the young player still needs more time to mature before taking on the iconic number 10 role.

Inter Players in the European Championship

As the European Championship approaches, Inter Milan players will represent various countries, including Austria, Switzerland, Turkey, the Netherlands, Italy, Albania, and France. This will be a fascinating aspect to watch. How many Inter players will wear the number 10 jersey? Only time will tell.

Inter Milan's potential presence of multiple number 10s in the European Championship reflects the club's impressive roster and the players' individual talents. However, achieving the dream scenario of having four players wearing the number 10 jersey might be ambitious. Still, having two or three players in such a prestigious role would be a significant achievement for both the club and the players.

Beppe Marotta's Transition to Club President

Meanwhile, the transition of Beppe Marotta to the role of Inter Milan’s president is a crucial development. Marotta has been a pivotal figure behind the scenes, known for his strategic acumen and ability to navigate the complex world of football transfers. His appointment marks a shift towards a model where key decisions and leadership come from within the club's established hierarchy.

Marotta’s approach to managing the club's finances and player acquisitions will be vital in the coming years. His emphasis on fiscal responsibility and sustainable growth aligns with the modern challenges faced by many top football clubs. This philosophy will likely influence how Inter navigates the transfer market and builds its squad for future competitions.

Looking Forward to the European Championship

As the European Championship draws nearer, the anticipation and excitement among fans and pundits continue to build. Inter Milan’s players will play a significant role in their respective national teams, and their performances will be closely watched. The number 10 jersey, with its rich history and symbolic importance, will be a focal point of these discussions.

Whether it's Hakan Çalhanoğlu continuing his leadership for Turkey, Piotr Zielinski potentially taking over the mantle for Poland, or the intriguing possibility of Nicolo Barella stepping into the number 10 role for Italy, these developments highlight the depth and talent within Inter Milan’s squad. As the tournament progresses, these players will have the opportunity to showcase their skills on one of the biggest stages in international football, contributing to the rich tapestry of the European Championship.