Bastoni award reignites Inter vs. Juventus controversy over Kalulu simulation | OneFootball

Inter fans showed their support for Alessandro Bastoni, but a suggested award for ‘confessing’ his simulation against Juventus to get Pierre Kalulu sent off has reignited the controversy.

The defender has been in the eye of the media storm since Inter beat 10-man Juventus, thanks largely to the second yellow card that had Kalulu sent off.

Bastoni simulated much worse contact than there was in reality, and VAR could not intervene to correct the clear and obvious error because protocol bars their involvement in yellow cards.

Ever since then, the Italy international has been loudly jeered by opposition fans in every stadium, with some even calling for him to be dropped from the Nazionale as punishment.

Bastoni could get award for ‘fair play’

MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 14: Alessandro Bastoni of FC Internazionale Milano shoots and hits the post during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Juventus FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on February 14, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

It therefore raised eyebrows when Federico Romani, a regional councillor of Lombardy, suggested Bastoni should be awarded the Rosa Camuna, the maximum honour from the region.

“He was able to recognise his mistake publicly and take responsibility,” explained the political figure.

BODO, NORWAY – FEBRUARY 18: Alessandro Bastoni of FC Internazionale Milano reacts after Kasper Hogh of Bodo/Glimt (not pictured) scores his team’s third goal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off First Leg match between FK Bodo/Glimt and FC Internazionale Milano at Aspmyra Stadion on February 18, 2026 in Bodo, Norway. (Photo by Martin Ole Wold/Getty Images)

“Bastoni’s attitude is not to be taken for granted or considered common, it shows respect for the sport, for opponents, and for the fans.”

This obviously prompted a furious and incredulous reaction from other political figures in the Lombardy region, above all Franco Lucente, who is a Juventus fan.

MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 14: Pierre Kalulu of Juventus reacts as he walks off after being sent off by Referee Federico La Penna (not pictured) for a second yellow card offence during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Juventus FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on February 14, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

“I am the first to condemn the jeers from the crowd and media targeting of Bastoni, but to give him an award seems a bit much.

“I doubt that eventually making a late apology represents a great sporting virtue. What then are we to give to Kalulu, who was sent off for a foul he didn’t commit, had to sit out a ban, and now sees Bastoni hailed as an example of fair play?”

The Inter supporters certainly made their voices heard during today’s Serie A match against Atalanta, even though Bastoni was on the bench due to a bruise.

‘Bastoni, our pride’ was a banner in his honour, along with chants that prompted him to stand and wave to the crowd.