Alessandro Bastoni ‘to be questioned’ in Milan probe into alleged escort network | OneFootball

Inter defender Alessandro Bastoni will be questioned on Friday by Milan prosecutors over alleged prostitution of a minor, part of a wider inquiry into an escort network said to have served many Serie A players.

According to Ansa and AGI, the 27-year-old has received a formal notice of investigation relating to the alleged prostitution of a 17-year-old at the time. The network’s existence emerged in late April.

La Gazzetta dello sport reports that in 2020 Bastoni exchanged messages with a collaborator of the company "Ma. De" about the availability of a minor for sex. The teenager, already heard as a witness, is said to have confirmed she visited Bastoni’s home, while denying any sexual encounter.

Bastoni, capped 43 times by Italy, denies having had a relationship with a woman he knew to be underage, his lawyer Salvatore Scutto said. He added they know nothing about the investigation and will assess whether to respond to prosecutors.

Prosecutors in Milan opened the case in April, and Bastoni is the first player formally targeted. Early findings indicate "Ma. De", based on the outskirts of Milan, organised "all inclusive" parties for Serie A players, linking them with escorts.

Investigators believe 64 players in the Italian top flight used the agency. Daniel Maldini, Riccardo Calafiori and Kevin Bonifazi will also be heard on Friday as witnesses, and their names appear in several conversations with "Ma. De" staff.

Source: L'Équipe