Despite the weight of his yellow-card warning, the head coach named him to the starting lineup against Norway: a chance to put his recent slump behind him

A starter, even with a yellow card warning. Because he’s at home at San Siro, despite his current struggles at Inter. Because in midfield, he’ll be able to link up with his training partner, Barella. Because “he has different qualities than the others,” as coach Gattuso explains. Davide Frattesi has realized that it’s time to step up his game. With the January transfer window still to come, an opportunity like this won’t come around again: playing a key role for Italy—which aims to dampen Haaland’s “Scream” and Norway’s World Cup aspirations—is a good move for today and for tomorrow as well.

He’ll have to watch out for yellow cards so he’ll be available for the playoff semifinal, but that won’t stop him from answering his country’s call for a top-level performance: finishing the group stage tied on points—should they win—won’t secure direct qualification but will boost their confidence. Frattesi has learned the hard way just how much the mental aspect affects performance: under Chivu—even more so than under Inzaghi—he lost his starting spot and, as a result, his spark. Behind the starting trio, sure, he had reason to worry, but now even Sucic and Zielinski have overtaken him. Yet this showcase in Milan could help him shake off his slump. After all, the national team has always been a breath of fresh air for him: 8 goals in 32 appearances is no small feat for a midfielder. Just consider that Francesco Totti, his role model during his youth at Roma, finished with 9 goals in 58 games on that unforgettable night in Berlin.

opportunity—  Against Norway, Frattesi will start for the first time under Gattuso. His last start coincided with Spalletti’s final game as head coach, in Reggio Emilia against Moldova, when he picked up the yellow card that now has him on edge ahead of the playoffs. Under Chivu, however, his attempt at a comeback fell short last week in the Champions League against Kairat. But in a week’s time, the derby arrives at San Siro—a blender of ingredients that seems to have been turned on just to mix up the flavors. Frattesi looks at the midfield positions, realizes that Mkhitaryan is still out, and steps up to the plate. A great night with the national team would create quite a stir that might pique Inter’s interest: hey, I’m here too.