Bastoni criticises lack of ‘real’ holiday between Italy fixtures and Inter start | OneFootball

Inter and Italy defender Alessandro Bastoni has criticised the lack of a ‘real’ break he and some of his colleagues were afforded between the Euros and Copa America this summer and the beginning of the Serie A season this weekend.

The Nerazzurri centre-back spoke in a press conference following Inter’s 2-2 draw with Genoa on Saturday afternoon.

Inter were held to a 2-2 draw against Genoa, despite leading with just a few minutes of regular time left on the clock. Marcus Thuram netted both of the travelling side’s goals.

Bastoni criticises Italy and Inter schedule

Bastoni feels that a 20-day holiday was ‘not enough’ to rest, re-set and go again before the start of the 2024-25 campaign, both on a mental and physical level.

“It’s never-ending when the seasons are so close together,” he told the press.

“Those of us who went off with national teams have physical and mental strains. It can happen that you lose a bit of clarity in the first game, but what is important is staying united.”

Bastoni was asked why Inter seem to struggle away against Genoa. Inzaghi’s side have now gone five seasons in a row without a win at the Luigi Ferraris Stadium.

Tough opposition and a passionate fan-base was his response.

“These are difficult matches, because the crowd here plays a massive role. And Genoa is a tough team with lots of quality players. Even last year, despite having an unbelievable season, we came here and drew. I don’t have an exact explanation for this.”

Back on the subject of the hectic schedule, Bastoni said that football now feels ‘never-ending’.

“Obviously we have to adapt to an increasingly busy schedule, and twenty days of rest is definitely not a ‘real’ holiday. In terms of mentality, managing so many matches is tough, especially with a schedule that seems never-ending. But we are here to play and we will give our best in every match.”