This week Internazionale paraded their late summer signing Brazilian striker Gabriel Barbosa, also known as ‘Gabigol’.

Inter Milan have a rich history of South American striking heroes with Jair, Ruben Sosa, Ivan Zamorano, Ronaldo, Alvaro Recoba, Adriano and Diego Milito all starring for ‘I Nerazzurri’.

The current main man for Inter at the moment is Argentine forward Mauro Icardi, who is also the team’s captain.

Gabriel will be hoping that he can strike up a fantastic partnership with Icardi and fire Inter into Serie A title condition this season. That could start on Sunday as Inter host Bologna at the San Siro.

Inter’s new arrival was quick to show his respect for his new captain:

“He’s an idol,”

“I’ve been following him forever and think he’s a top player.”

The new €29.5m man has been the Italian giant’s marquee signing this summer and brought in by the club’s new Chinese owners, who also arrived this year.

Suning Sports will hope that in Gabriel Barbosa they have a world-class superstar in the making.

.@gabigol è con noi! Non vediamo l’ora di accoglierti a San Siro! ⚫️??? #WelcomeGabigol #ForzaInter @Pirelli pic.twitter.com/6IgfYnIVSS

— F.C. Internazionale (@Inter) September 22, 2016

I’d imagine that he’ll get physically stronger playing in Italy. But it will be interesting to see how long it takes for twenty year old to settle into European life.

At Santos, he managed to bag 56 goals in 154 appearances. This summer he was part of the historic Brazilian side that won their first Olympic gold medal. The youngster scored twice in his sides home Olympics.

In terms of talent and stature he reminds of another protege Neymar (I know it’s bit obvious) but maybe not as flashy. Great with the ball at his feet, likes to dribble past opponents and also has that Brazilian creative instinct that brings out the audacious tricks to get beyond a marker.

With a nickname like Gabigol you can only imagine he has a keen eye for goal, which is true. But again, like Neymar, he often finds himself out on the wing and creating chances for others as well as for himself.

Can often be found coming in off the right-side and finding a corner with his left foot, but is equally adept at finishing within the penalty area.

Obviously the pressure is going to be intense for Gabriel in Milan. Inter haven’t been successful since Jose Mourinho’s triumphant era of 2010 and the fans have had to watch on as Juventus dominated Italian football in recent years.

It might be too early this term to expect Internazionale to really put up a stiff challenge for the Scudetto but they are well placed and the fans will always expect to be a threat.

New boss Frank de Boer has managed to get them up to fifth in the league and they’re just two points off top spot. They’ve managed three wins in their last three league outings and that included a 2-1 win over champions Juve.

Plus they now have some new inspiration in the form of Gabriel Barbosa and if he can add more goals to this Inter side, then maybe just maybe they can win that elusive nineteenth Scudetto.

Posted on September 24th, 2016 by scott
Filed under: Article