Davide Frattesi
28 December 2025; New Balance Arena, Bergamo, Italy; Francesco Pio Esposito of FC Inter, Davide Frattesi of FC Inter, Josep Martinez of FC Inter during the Atalanta BC – FC Inter
In the winter transfer window, Sport Witness regularly covered Nottingham Forest’s attempts for Davide Frattesi.
At one point, it seemed like the Italian would head to City Ground on an initial loan deal. Everything seemed to be in place until Inter Milan failed to sign Liverpool’s Curtis Jones as a replacement.
As a result, the Nottingham Forest move fell through for Frattesi, who had barely been used for the Nerazzurri in the first half of the season.
The midfielder started for Inter in their second leg of the Champions League play-off against Bodø/Glimt. He couldn’t really make an impact and there has been some criticism for the former Sassuolo player.
Frattesi continues to struggle to make impact
L’Interista take a close look at the Italy international, claiming that his ‘inadequacy stands out’ and it was evident on Tuesday.
There is no doubting his effort and attitude in the game but technically, he offered little in the final third. He was included in the side to add an extra presence in the box but the outlet see this as a missed opportunity for Frattesi.
He did have promising moments when he made the right runs but has never fully convinced Cristian Chivu. Inter needed a player who could raise the bar and Frattesi – again, proved that he isn’t the one for that.
There is belief he will have to do more to warrant a starting spot under the Romanian for the remainder of the season. Otherwise, his exit will become a possibility again and this can give an opportunity to Nottingham Forest.
Nottingham Forest should consider another try
So far this season, the midfielder has played less than 1000 minutes in all competitions. His usage has increased in recent weeks but Frattesi has only three starts in Serie A. He has featured for only 427 minutes in the league.
Those are disappointing numbers for a player who is a regular for Italy and has also scored regularly for them.
It is important to state Frattesi is not really a technical outlet in midfield. His strengths lie in receiving in the final third, finding spaces and scoring key goals. Even when he has bad performances, there are times when he comes up with key goal contributions.
That is why he could have been useful for Nottingham Forest. Considering his usage at Inter, it does seem like his time is up. If given a chance, Vitor Pereira’s side should seriously consider another go.