Inter Milan Legend Lashes Out At Gennaro Gattuso After Italy’s FIFA World Cup Playoff Heartbreak: “Risky Decision, Cost Us Dearly” | OneFootball

Inter Milan legend Beppe Bergomi lashed out at Italy boss Gennaro Gattuso for fielding Alessandro Bastoni against Bosnia & Herzegovina.

Speaking to Sky Sport via FCInter1908, the former Nerazzurri center-back slammed the Azzurri coach for his poor tactical decision.

Bosnia & Herzegovina secured only their second FIFA World Cup appearance as an independent nation at the expense of Italy.

Despite trailing Gattuso’s side by a goal to nil, Sergej Barbarez’s side seized the numerical advantage to turn the tie on its head.

Indeed, Alessandro Bastoni received a straight red card for a senseless challenge on Amar Memic late in the first half.

A player of his caliber and experience should have known better.

His sliding tackle was late and needless, giving referee Clement Turpin no choice but to send him off.

Though the Azzurri fought valiantly to hold onto their slender lead, Bosnia found a late equalizer through Haris Tabakovic.

Furthermore, the Italians lost their composure in the shootout, allowing the Dragons to clinch a comfortable victory on penalties.

Beppe Bergomi Blasts Gennaro Gattuso After Italy Defeat vs Bosnia & Herzegovina

“From a technical and tactical standpoint, I think Bastoni is going through a difficult period,” Bergomi said. “It’s useless to deny it. If you want to play him, you have to put him in the best conditions, not as a central defender in a back three.

“When he has to run at full speed, he can struggle. His qualities are different. I always believe in positive energy, and some players go through complicated situations.

“Think of Ettore Messina, who had to step back because of the pressure from social media – think about what these guys are experiencing. It was Gattuso’s responsibility to field him, a risky decision, and it cost us a lot.

“But then, if you want to play with two wingers in this match, with Dimarco and Politano both very deep, they can also get into difficulty – and Kean was the same weapon. Esposito had a chance,” he concluded.