“Senza Vendersi Mai – Matteo Caccia Interviews Nicolò Barella” is much more than just an interview with the talented Inter midfielder.
Available on YouTube and Spotify through Matteo Caccia’s official channels, it offers a glimpse into Barella’s life beyond football. He opens up about his deepest thoughts, sharing everything from his relationship with success and failure to his personal and professional growth. It’s an emotional journey that reveals a champion unafraid to show his vulnerabilities.
Barella on Fatherhood, Wine, and Cooking
Barella broke the ice by talking about fatherhood and what it means to him: “I love everything about it; it’s a choice I made when I was young. I grew up in a big family where everyone played a part, and I always liked that. When I met the right woman, my wife, we decided to start a family early. I hope to be a good, present father.” He also touched on his love for cooking and wine: “Do I cook? Yes, it’s something I enjoy when I have time. I’ve also developed a passion for wine and trying new restaurants. I like to experiment a bit in the kitchen too!”
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Balancing Life and Passion for Football
When talking about his day-to-day life off the pitch, Barella shared, “I can’t sleep in until 11, I’ve got kids to take to school! My day starts early, at 7:30 am, with breakfast and the school run. Then it’s off to training, lunch with the team, and by 3 pm, I’m picking the girls up again. Each of them has their own sport, and after dinner, when they’re in bed, that’s the time to sit down with my wife and just talk.”
He also reflected on his passion for football: “Football is still a game to me, even though it’s my job now. It’s given me so much, including the chance to support my family, but it also comes with its challenges—criticism and social media can take a toll on you mentally. There are days when you take the stress home with you. But no matter what, it remains something I love.”
Barella’s Beginnings and Making It Big
Looking back, Barella reminisced about his early days in football: “My parents made sacrifices for me to play, but I was lucky to have fun and build strong friendships along the way. I knew football could be my career when I got called up for the national team. Of course, it wasn’t always easy—when I moved up from Cagliari Primavera to the first team, I wasn’t quite ready, but I started believing I could do it. At that point, I didn’t think I’d ever play for Inter or the national team, but just wearing the Cagliari shirt felt amazing.”
The Tough Journey to Success
Barella touched on the difference between those who make it and those who don’t: “I’ve seen a lot of different situations, and there are many reasons why some people don’t make it. It could be sacrifices, family circumstances, or even injuries. It’s tough to leave home, especially when you’re from Sardinia, where we’re so attached to our land. You need inner strength to make those hard decisions, and not everyone has that. It’s difficult, and some people simply can’t do it.”
Proudly Sardinian and Always Honest
Barella proudly spoke about his Sardinian roots: “I’m tough and strong-willed, and I don’t pretend to be something I’m not. This is what makes me truly Sardinian. I can admit that I’m sometimes a bit difficult or even unpleasant, but that’s just who I am. I’d rather make mistakes out in the open than hide behind a facade.”
He’s also grown a lot over time: “I used to love arguing and looking for conflicts that didn’t help anyone, but now I’m much more at peace. Being with my family has taught me that there are bigger problems in life, and that football, while important, is just one part of it.”
Football Growth and Gratitude for Opponents
Barella reflected on his development on the pitch as well: “Before, I just wanted to prove myself. Now, in a game, I’m happy to help my teammates, even if it doesn’t mean scoring or getting assists. I take pride when an opponent respects me—it’s a sign that they truly think I’m a strong player. My teammates make me feel invincible, but that respect from the opposition means the world.”
Respect for Victory and Defeat
Barella also shared a personal memory of sportsmanship after winning the Scudetto with Inter: “I shook hands with the Milan players after we won. I did it because I know what it means to lose. I’ve experienced a lot of defeat—losing the U19 European final, getting knocked out of the World Cup, getting relegated with Cagliari and Como, and even losing a Champions League and Europa League final. Winning is great, but losing stays with you in a different way. It can ruin your summer, and it feels like you’ll never get another chance.”
Handling Criticism and Fans’ Expectations
Talking about fan criticism, Barella said, “Fans don’t always know what’s happening behind the scenes. Sometimes when you play badly, it’s not intentional—you could be dealing with personal issues. Fans want the team to win, but there’s so much more that goes on. Criticism is part of the game, but bringing personal life into it crosses a line. We’re all human, and everyone deserves respect, especially off the pitch.”
A Love Beyond Football
Barella revealed some of his other passions too: “I’ve gotten really into cycling, and at one point, I was obsessed with the NBA—I used to stay up late watching games! I’ve also always loved wine, not because I drank it as a kid but because my dad’s best friend had vineyards, and I used to help with the harvest. My favorite wines now are Burgundy, Bordeaux, and Barolo. It’s an expensive passion, but a beautiful one—every time I drink a glass of wine, I remember the people I shared it with.”