Why Alessandro Bastoni, Italy’s most valuable player, is being booed nationwide | OneFootball

Alessandro Bastoni, a pillar for Inter and Italy, has faced sustained jeers in Serie A after a high-profile simulation against Juventus.

According to L'Équipe, he has not played since 8 March and was excused from early Italy sessions before Thursday’s World Cup play-off with Northern Ireland.

The flashpoint came on 14 February in Inter’s 3-2 win over Juventus, when a clear simulation saw Pierre Kalulu sent off for a second yellow in the 42nd minute. Bastoni celebrated as if he had scored, then apologised publicly after days of controversy, which did little to ease hostility.

He was booed at Lecce a week later, then again at Como in a 0-0 Coppa Italia tie on 3 March. Cesc Fabregas said such supporter behaviour can cause stress and argued it follows because Bastoni plays for Italy’s strongest side and is among the most gifted.

In the Milan derby, a 0-1 defeat, he was substituted after a tibia-to-tibia clash with Adrien Rabiot as a Rossoneri-leaning San Siro jeered every touch. On the eve, Christian Chivu said the reaction was beyond their control, might persist, and that they were sorry because football is a game.

Chivu later maintained his performances had remained excellent despite the emotional strain. Considered the archetype of the modern defender, Bastoni is valued at around 80 million euros, the highest among Italian players.

Italy play Northern Ireland in Bergamo, the Atalanta city where he was developed and made his professional debut. Gennaro Gattuso said he chose the venue to avoid San Siro’s split and early whistles after a misplaced pass.

Source: L'Équipe