Alessandro Bastoni is ‘learning so much’ from Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci and prepared to work hard in order to improve for Italy.
The Azzurri beat Belgium 2-1 in Turin to secure third place in the 2021 Nations League tournament, with goals from Nicolò Barella and Domenico Berardi.
Charles De Ketelaere got a late consolation on the counter-attack from Italy’s own corner.
“These are all important games, it’s good to play at this level and for Italy to be on this stage,” Bastoni told RAI Sport.
“We all care about these events and are happy to have won.”
The Inter defender started both these Nations League games against Spain and Belgium, filling in first for Chiellini, then Bonucci.
“I spent the Euros behind legends like Chiellini and Bonucci, I am learning so much from them. They give me a big hand.”
Bastoni was asked how he handled some of the criticism after the 2-1 defeat to Spain in the Nations League semi-final.
“Fortunately, I never had problems with that. I talk to the coach and those who help me improve. I am 22 years old, I know that I have to improve and I’m ready to work towards that.
“Spain are a great side and it can happen to make mistakes.”