Ex Inter Milan Manager Takes Stock Of Italy Defender’s Future: “Sought After For His Club Role” | OneFootball

Former Inter Milan manager Andrea Stramaccioni has delivered his verdict on rumours surrounding the future of Alessandro Bastoni.

Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport via FCInterNews, Stramaccioni hailed the star defender’s impact at San Siro.

Bastoni’s career has taken a dramatic downturn in recent months.

Indeed, the 26-year-old gained notoriety for his shenanigans in February’s Derby d’Italia clash at San Siro.

However, Tuesday’s FIFA World Cup qualifier between Italy and Bosnia & Herzegovina tarnished his reputation in the country.

Despite his household status at the national team, Alessandro Bastoni let his nation down at the worst possible moment.

Bastoni’s first-half expulsion in Zenica condemned the Azzurri to a heartbreaking playoff defeat, turning fans against him.

For perspective, he and his wife have had to turn off comments on social media after Italy’s loss on Tuesday.

Therefore, there’s a good chance he could leave San Siro in the upcoming transfer window, with Barcelona vying for his signature.

Andrea Stramaccioni Delivers His Alessandro Bastoni Verdict

“Alessandro is an intelligent guy, and he knows he made a mistake by taking that risky tackle,” Stramaccioni said. “For me, his natural position is left center, where he makes a difference, and it’s also the role Barcelona is courting him for.

“Playing as the central of three or the right center in a back four is less comfortable for him, but he had to play there and he did. Regardless, this doesn’t change his value.

“Inter contingent? Dimarco, Barella, and Bastoni are key players for both Inter and the Azzurri. They were coming off a difficult period in Serie A, and Bastoni played despite not being in perfect condition, even missing the Florence game.

“Surely, if they aren’t at their best, Italy’s backbone suffers. For no Azzurri will turning the page be easy – not just for the Inter players.”