Italy Megastar On Inter Milan 3-2 Juventus Controversy: “I Made A Mistake, I’ve Noticed A Lot Of Hypocrisy & Moralism” | OneFootball

Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni broke his silence about the controversial episode that unfolded in Saturday’s Derby d’Italia.

During Tuesday’s press conference via FCInterNews, the Italian center-back assessed his actions in the derby clash against Juventus.

Cristian Chivu finally broke his ‘big game’ curse in Serie A last weekend as Inter squeezed past Juventus at San Siro.

Indeed, the Nerazzurri left it late to beat the 10-man Bianconeri at home, with Piotr Zielinski netting a late winner.

Meanwhile, Alessandro Bastoni helped his side secure a numerical advantage on the stroke of halftime.

His dive convinced referee Federico La Penna to send off Pierre Kalulu, leaving Luciano Spalletti’s team a man down in the second half.

Despite taking three points, Bastoni has quickly come to regret his decision to fake a foul.

The 26-year-old fell victim to online abuse on social media and even received death threats.

However, he repented for what he had done.

Alessandro Bastoni Assesses Inter Milan 3-2 Juventus Controversy

MILAN, ITALY – AUGUST 25: Alessandro Bastoni of Internazionale looks on during the warm up prior to the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Torino FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on August 25, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

“I wanted to be here to clarify my version of events,” Bastoni confirmed. “I’ve been the most talked-about person over the last 48 hours. It’s only right to be here.

“I felt the contact from Kalulu, and I definitely exaggerated the fall to try to gain an advantage from it; I can say that without any issue.

“I’m especially sorry for the reaction afterwards, a very ugly reaction from me, but a very human one. And I’m sorry for acting that way; it’s right for me to be here today to take responsibility.

“But it’s equally right that my character is not defined by a single incident. I have over 300 games under my belt, and this is the first time anyone’s talking about me after an episode of this nature.

“I’ve noticed so many falsehoods, so much hypocrisy, and so much fake moralizing. And I’ve heard many insiders say things that don’t hold water anywhere.

“Instead, I thank those who told the truth. The truth is Bastoni was wrong, he was an idiot, and he made a mistake. You can make mistakes, but you have to admit them, and that’s why I’m here.

“It was a media pile-on. I’m perfectly capable of handling it, but my wife and daughter less so. My wife received death threats, wishes of harm and illness.

“And I’m sorry for La Penna, who’s suffered the same things.”

Inter Milan Star Alessandro Bastoni Insists He’s Mentally Well

Asked whether the media pressure knocked him off his perch, Bastoni replied: “No, it didn’t affect me too much.

“We are people who are exposed in the media, we used to this type of media pile-on, as the president rightly defined it yesterday.

“I am capable of managing this situation; I feel more sorry for my wife and my daughter, who found themselves facing death threats that are completely out of order.

“Just like I feel for referee La Penna. For people less accustomed to this level of exposure.”

Furthermore, he insisted that he is feeling well, all things considered.

“Mentally, I’m doing very well,” Bastoni added.

“The same thing happened in reverse when a penalty was awarded to Liverpool but Wirtz didn’t suffer the accusations I have.

“Chivu has been consistent, I say this because he has been criticized for saying these things. Now I really want to get on the pitch.

“I am not weakened mentally or physically, so I am ready to play. Therefore, I am ready to play.”