The funniest dive ever? Inter Milan's Nicolo Barella vs Empoli

Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella has officially changed the game when it comes to trying to win a penalty.

In the modern era, the sight of players dangling out a leg to try and initiate contact inside the box from an opponent has sadly become commonplace.

But doing a full front flip to try and con the referee into awarding a penalty? You’d think that’s a bit too far, although not when it comes to Barella.

During Inter’s crucial home match against Empoli in Serie A on Friday evening, the Italy international exaggerated minimal contact from an opposing defender in truly spectacular fashion.

To be fair to Barella, he executed the flip pretty darn well…

Video: Barella’s front flip vs Empoli

Fan reaction

Ever considered a career as a gymnast, Nicolo?

Thankfully, the referee didn’t fall for Barella’s antics and if he had, VAR would surely have corrected him.

The dive from Barella came when title-chasing Inter were trailing 2-0 at San Siro, Andrea Pinamonti and Kristjan Asllani grabbing the goals for Empoli.

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But Simone Inzaghi’s side had the scores level at 2-2 by the half-time break. An own goal from Simone Romagnoli in the 40th minute was followed by a strike from Lautaro Martinez in the 45th.

Martinez then grabbed his second of the game just after the hour mark to put Inter 3-2 ahead.

Video: Martinez’s second goal vs Inter

The hosts added a fourth deep into stoppage-time through Alexis Sanchez to secure a priceless comeback victory that moves them temporarily top of the Serie A table.

Bitter rivals AC Milan – who they’re now a point ahead of – face Verona away from home on Sunday evening and to say the pressure will be on them is something of an understatement.

The race for the Scudetto is going right down to the wire!

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