Alessandro Bastoni admits he ‘didn’t expect to score two goals’ in two Nations League games, but ‘if Italy can play like this against France in Paris, we can do it against anyone.’
The Inter defender had not played for the Nazionale since that disastrous red card in the World Cup play-off against Bosnia and Herzegovina, which saw the Azzurri miss out on a third consecutive edition of the tournament.
He made a remarkable comeback, scoring in the 4-1 victory away to Turkiye, and tonight to seal a 1-1 with France in Paris.
Bastoni unexpected hitman for Italy
“It was a tough game, we knew it would be, it’s hardly news, but I am so happy with the team performance,” Bastoni told RAI Sport.
“We fought hard, we suffered, we even ruined some of France’s objectives for tonight, as they were prepared for a big celebration. We knew we weren’t coming here for a walk in the park, and that’s how it was.”
He is not the player that Italy expected to get the goals, but he is the top scorer so far in Roberto Mancini’s second tenure.
“It’s certainly pleasing to score again, but the moment it was done, I thought we had to make sure we didn’t concede another, otherwise it was all points. This is a good result that boosts our confidence going forward,” noted Bastoni.
It was not just the red card that hurt him in recent months, but also an off the field scandal that saw some push for him to leave Serie A.
“I didn’t expect to score two goals, but I never lost faith in myself. I won’t let one or two situations ruin the career of over 300 games. I thank my family for being by my side and I hope that keeping my head up high is seen as a positive,” continued the centre-back.
France have not kept a clean sheet against Italy since the 0-0 in September 2007, conceding 10 goals in the last seven encounters.
When Dayot Upamecano was sent off in the final minutes, Italy pushed hard for a potential winner.
“We believed in our chances of victory from the start, and indeed had the best chances in the first half to break the deadlock. It’s a strong signal, because if we can put in a performance like this against France in Paris, then we can do it against anyone,” concluded Bastoni.
“Now there is another game in this run and we are not taking anything for granted, it is another important test.”
Looking back, I wonder if Italian fans shot themselves in the foot by jeering / canceling Bastoni after Kalulu incident and impacting his confidence. You have to stand for your boys so that your boys will make you proud
Mancini ultimately will find a good starting eleven . He just needs to keep playing youngsters. Vergara and Kayode are superb. Faggioli is useless. If he can find 2-3 more players, Italy can go against anyone.
Today, Bastoni has performed well after hurting Italy alot.He should focus on perfection and avoid stupid mistakes which results in red cards.Italy can go far with that spirit.
@ Vieri fan – definitely – only in Italy…
@ Nish – in terms of starters – Cisse – Inacio – Palestra at wing forward with Vergara too, also getting Liberali into the midfield. Tresoldi would add a lot at CF, and we’re waiting for Camarda still only 18.
@ Peter kingori – G. Mancini actually caused Bastoni red vs Bosnia, he lost his man out of position and too slow to get back… that’s also on Gattuso for not picking Kayode at RCB in those playoffs (he didn’t he make the squad) – strangest decision ever. Kayode not only wouldn’t have lost his man, he had the pace to get back to a player that Mancini made look like Mbappe.
@m, Vieri Fan, Peter Kingori & Nish…Donnarumma’s questionable goalkick distribution on that play caused Bastoni’s red card by causing both defenders to play out of position. It wax a situation where the Bosnian winger anticipated the distribution.
kayode on another planet
people who harassing bastoni is juventus, milan and napoli fans. he clearly our best CB, italy look weak on defense againts belgium because he wasnt play. even maldini and baresi, arguably 2 greatest CB ever touch the game, also making mistake.
except inter fans who always give him support after that penalty failure, italian doesnt deserved bastoni. he got more recognition in spain and england than in italy. its shameful for those who keep harassing him.
The red card against Bosnia was not the only time Bastoni has showed poor defending when playing for Italy. Even today some of his passing was poor and put Italy in difficult positions and he almost gave away the penalty near the end. Scalvini is a more polished defender, however Bastoni has a knack for goal which is a definite plus. He’s no Cannavaro, Chiellini or Bonucci, but he’s the best option right now with Scalvini – please, no more Mancini at CB!
Suprise suprise Italy plays well whrn they have a proper coach. Under Pirlo losses would’ve been treated as progress and Gattuso was not a coach for a team with any ambition to do anything. The problem was never individual players or mistakes but someone who handles the gameplan per match. Mancini isn’t a modern top coach but he’s far 100 times bettee than the alternatives like Pirlo and Gattuso