Bastoni: Gattuso is what Italy ‘needed’, I admire Man City and Arsenal defenders | OneFootball

Inter star Alessandro Bastoni admires Joško Gvardiol and his compatriot Riccardo Calafiori and says that Gennaro Gattuso is what the Italy national team ‘needed.’

Bastoni spoke about Inter and the Italy national team in an interview with Rivista 11 (via TMW).

The Italy international is one of the dressing room leaders at Inter and has been a reference point for the Nerazzurri on the pitch over the last few years.

“The attacking attitude of a defender is something that many teams have been looking for in the last few years,” he said.

“It doesn’t always come as one wants. I really admire Gvardiol, and Calafiori is doing really well at Arsenal as a left-back. The defender now has to create something more.”

Bastoni: ‘Balance is needed’

MILAN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 16: Alessandro Bastoni of Italy warms up prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Norway at San Siro Stadium on November 16, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

According to Transfermarkt, Bastoni is currently the highest-valued Italian player.

“These are titles and things I appreciate, but one day you are good, and the other one you are terrible,” noted the Inter star.

“Balance is needed to prove you have that value, but it’s not something relevant.”

Bastoni was part of the Italy squad that won the 2020 Euros, but also failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup.

Next year, the Azzurri will have another chance as they’ll host Northern Ireland in the World Cup play-off semifinal.

The winner will visit Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina in the final.

“It hasn’t been an easy period; we didn’t do well at the Euros. There’s a considerable difference between the club and the national team because obviously, there’s less sync, but the most important thing is the sense of belonging,” admitted Bastoni.

“We have a great tradition, and it must be respected. Gattuso has insisted more on this than on the tactical aspect. He’s very direct, he says things straight, and it’s what we needed.”

Bastoni praises ‘extraordinary’ Pio Esposito

MILAN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 16: Pio Esposito of Italy celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Norway at San Siro Stadium on November 16, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Francesco Pio Esposito has received a lot of attention domestically, having already scored goals for Inter and the national team.

“He’s an extraordinary lad despite only being 20. He’s found himself in a world where it’s easy to lose your head amid TV and social media,” Bastoni argued.

“But he’s super chilled, and we try to help him even if there’s no need at the moment. We must leave him calm, and his moment will come.”

Talking about Inter’s stars’ attitude in the dressing room, Bastoni said: “Lautaro talks a lot. Barella and I as well. Lautaro is our captain and leader, but he is very good at getting help when he needs it.”