Inter Milan Vs Juventus – Italy Defender Warns Nerazzurri Of 3 Players To Watch Out For | OneFootball

Alessandro Bastoni has urged Inter Milan to approach the Derby d’Italia with clarity rather than obsession, stressing that composure and focus will be decisive against Juventus.

Speaking to Sky Sport on the eve of the clash, via FCInterNews, the Italy international acknowledged Inter’s desire to win a direct showdown but warned against turning that aim into pressure.

“We think the time has come to win a head-to-head match, but it must not become an obsession,” Bastoni said. “It must not become counterproductive. We have to remember it is still just a match, we must stay calm and lucid while adding that extra something needed to win.”

Bastoni believes Inter arrive in strong condition after a full week of preparation.

“We are arriving well. We have had a full week to prepare and we are in a good place in every respect,” he explained. “We know what Inter–Juve represents in world football. Winning must not become an obsession, we must maintain concentration for the entire match.”

Inter Milan Vs Juventus – Bastoni On Threats To Monitor: Yildiz, McKennie & Locatelli

TURIN, ITALY – JANUARY 04: Kenan Yildiz of Juventus celebrates scoring their team’s fifth goal during the Coppa Italia Round of 16 match between Juventus FC and US Salernitana at Allianz Stadium on January 04, 2024 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

The defender expects Juventus to pose new challenges under Luciano Spalletti, who previously coached several Inter players with the Italian national team.

“Having coached us with Italy may be an advantage for him because he knows our characteristics,” Bastoni said. “Spalletti has quality, I don’t need to say that. He will do everything to put us in difficulty. We are at home, in front of our fans, and we want to produce a great performance.”

He highlighted Kenan Yildiz as a major threat but stressed Juventus’ strength is collective.

“He is certainly very strong, but Juventus are not only Yildiz. We have seen how decisive McKennie can be and the balance Locatelli gives alongside the defensive line. They have many players who do things well.”

Bastoni also pointed to Inter’s improved tactical equilibrium.

“We have found balance. Sometimes we are less beautiful but more effective,” he said. “It is something the coach has worked on a lot. Some episodes are going our way compared to the start, and we are gaining confidence.”

His message is clear: calm minds, tactical discipline and full concentration will be essential if Inter are to prevail in one of the season’s defining fixtures.