Nicolo Barella is among the Inter players to come under criticism after Saturday's 3-1 defeat against Milan in the Derby della Madonnina, and experts including Paolo Di Canio feel that it is only a matter of time before summer signing Curtis Jones becomes the starter in the Italian's preferred position.
Inter were beaten 3-1 by Milan in the derby on Saturday: They have now gone eight matches without a victory in the Derby della Madonnina, drawing twice and losing six times since their most recent victory over the Rossoneri in April of 2024.
ITALY – OCTOBER 31: Nicolo Barella of FC Internazionale is challenged by Strahinja Pavlovic and Koni De Winter of AC Milan during the Serie A match between AC Milan and FC Internazionale at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on October 31, 2026 in Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Saturday's defeat against Milan also ended Inter's unbeaten start to the 2026-27 Serie A season and has seen them knocked off top spot by Lazio, who have collected 28 points from a possible 30 after 10 league matches.
Among the Inter players facing criticism after the derby defeat is Italy international Barella, who committed the foul just outside the penalty area that led to Diego Moreira's excellently-taken free-kick, which sent Milan into a 3-1 lead.
Paolo Di Canio, on punditry duty with Sky Sport Italia on Sunday, feels that this isn't an uncommon thing for Barella.
ROME, ITALY – MAY 14: Paolo Di Canio attends during the A-Words at Ara Pacis on May 14, 2019 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images for Lega Serie A)
"Inter suffered against Milan. It was a team that looked terrified, especially after going 3-1 down. Barella commits the foul and it's a bad one, the one that led to the goal for 3-1. It's things we've spoken about before, impromptu little heel kicks and things like that," said Di Caino (via TMW ).
"They confirmed it themselves by saying that they might've lost a bit of hunger or that they've taken their foot off the gas. We're not making that up. They are still the strongest team, but they didn't bounce back against Milan. It's a team that has a few problems. Most importantly, they need to get their best players back."
Di Canio feels that Inter would be better off with Jones starting in Barella's position in midfield.
"Remember: Curtis Jones will be a starter. He brings aggression and also helps out in front of the defence. He will play, he's their most evolved midfielder."
MADRID, SPAIN – SEPTEMBER 08: Curtis Jones of Internazionale has a shot during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Real Madrid C.F. and FC Internazionale Milano at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on September 08, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
Jones has made four Serie A appearances for Inter following his €35m summer transfer from Liverpool , but has missed the last five with an adductor injury, which has kept him out of action since the September-October international break.
Stefano Pioli, also in the Sky studio on Sunday, agreed with Di Canio's verdict on Jones: "I like him a lot, he's an all-rounder," said the former Nerazzzurri head coach.
Pioli feels that the absence of Lautaro Martinez is hurting Inter more than anything right now, though.
"There's an Inter with Lautaro and an Inter without him. Every coach wants a captain like that. He fights for every ball and plays every game with passion and a desire to help the team. I've always really admired him.
"Sometimes in the dressing room, what a teammate says to you can be the most important thing."
