Inter Milan Legend Blasts Gennaro Gattuso As Star Center-Back “Will Now Have To Leave Italy” | OneFootball

Beppe Bergomi has slammed Gennaro Gattuso for his decision to put Alessandro Bastoni in the starting XI against Bosnia on Tuesday.

Speaking to Radio Nerazzurra via FCInterNews, Bergomi accused Gattuso of ending the 26-year-old’s Serie A career.

Indeed, after falling out of favor with Serie A fans for his Derby d’Italia antics, his career hit rock-bottom on Tuesday.

Despite his defensive prowess and a wealth of international experience, Bastoni made an uncharacteristic mistake in Zenica.

His mistimed tackle on Amar Memic forced referee Clement Turpin to show him a straight red card toward the end of the first half.

Furthermore, Bosnia took full advantage of his expulsion to beat Italy in a ‘make or break’ FIFA World Cup playoff final.

Consequentially, the former Atalanta man could force a summer sale to salvage his career, with Barcelona ready to offer him an escape route from Italy.

Beppe Bergomi Lashes Out at Gennaro Gattuso Over Alessandro Bastoni Selection

In addition to his off-field turmoil, Bastoni entered the international break on the back of an injury layoff.

Indeed, he has missed Inter’s last two matches in Serie A. However, Gattuso has started him against both Northern Ireland and Bosnia.

“For me, he is a friend,” Bergomi said. “I even see him at basketball games; I care for him deeply. The mistake against Bosnia was bound to happen; what have they been telling him for a month and a half?

“Now he will have to leave Italy for his own good. We are losing an extraordinary talent, one of the best defenders for modern football. I’m very sorry, but I think that for his own sake, he will need to find a club abroad.”

Then, he asssessed Francesco Pio Esposito’s decision to take the first penalty in the shootout.

“In Bosnia, he was placed in a context that didn’t suit him, since he’s not a counter-attacking player. But in my opinion, he won’t be crushed by the elimination against Bosnia.

“Overall, however, Inter will take the field with five players who have just come off international duty. In addition to the Azzurri, there are Zielinski and Dumfries, coming off a red card against the Netherlands.

“I think they need to ‘own’ the failure – the accumulated anger must be channeled onto the pitch. The players need to understand this.