Italy 1-4 Norway – AC Milan Legend Slams Inter Defender: “Exceptional For Nerazzurri & Tragic For Azzurri” | OneFootball

AC Milan legend Gianni Rivera blasted Alessandro Bastoni for his disastrous performance in Sunday’s clash between Italy and Norway.

Speaking to La Repubblica via FCInterNews, Rivera drew a comparison between Bastoni’s club and international form.

Widely regarded as one of Europe’s finest center-backs, Alessandro Bastoni has been Inter’s defensive cornerstone for years.

Indeed, the 26-year-old has established himself as an indispensable first-team star at San Siro.

Furthermore, several top European clubs, including Manchester City, have developed a genuine interest in the Nerazzurri stalwart.

However, Bastoni’s international form has often failed to impress.

The latest example of the former Atalanta man’s international wobble came last weekend against Norway.

Despite taking an early lead through Francesco Pio Esposito, Italy fell to a horrendous 4-1 defeat to the Scandinavian side.

Moreover, Bastoni emerged as one of the main culprits.

Man City megastar Erling Haaland had a field day against the Nerazzurri ace in the second half.

Therefore, Bastoni came under heavy scrutiny after the game.

Gianni Rivera Blasts Inter Milan Star Alessandro Bastoni After Italy 1-4 Norway Loss

BERGAMO, ITALY – MARCH 16: Alessandro Bastoni of FC Internazionale looks on during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and FC Internazionale at Gewiss Stadium on March 16, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Rivera slammed Italy’s overall second-half performance at San Siro.

“I was surprised to see such a huge gap,” he said. “In the second half, it looked like watching Brazil against nobody.

“That’s on us – the Norwegians are a good team, but they’re certainly not Brazil. It was humiliating and strange.

“We were at the mercy of our opponents. Maybe they went beyond their limits, but Italy cannot be like this!”

Then, he commented on Bastoni’s underwhelming display.

“There’s Bastoni, whom Inter consider an exceptional defender, yet with Italy he makes tragic mistakes.

“Clearly, with the national team, he doesn’t have the same certainties he can rely on when he plays for his club.”