Italy coach Gattuso makes Bastoni decision after Inter vs. Juventus controversy | OneFootball

Reports in Italy claim that Gennaro Gattuso will continue to rely on Inter star Alessandro Bastoni despite criticism over the defender’s behaviour during the Derby d’Italia against Juventus.

Inter defender Bastoni will continue to be part of the Italy squad, as coach Gattuso is not considering dropping him following controversies in Inter-Juventus.

Gattuso won’t drop Bastoni for Italy games

BERGAMO, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 05: Coach Gennaro Gattuso of Italy looks on prior to the National anthems prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Estonia at Stadio di Bergamo on September 05, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images)

Bastoni infuriated fans on Saturday as he went down far too easily in a challenge from Juventus defender Pierre Kalulu, causing his second yellow card.

Bastoni celebrated widely when his opponent was shown a red card, prompting fans and some journalists in Italy to suggest he should be dropped from the Italy squad next month.

Italian sports papers, including Gazzetta and Corriere dello Sport, however, claim that Gattuso is not even considering leaving Bastoni at home.

Crucial match for Italy in March

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)

The Azzurri have a crucial match coming up as they’ll host Northern Ireland in the World Cup play-off semifinal on March 26.

If they progress, they’ll visit Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina in the final and, if fit, Bastoni will surely be part of the Italy squad.