Alessandro Bastoni is impressed with the new-look Italy after they beat Hungary, but shrugs off Tottenham and Manchester United transfer links. ‘I have a contract with Inter, the club hasn’t told me anything.’
The Nazionale saw off Hungary 2-1 last night with goals from Nicolò Barella and Lorenzo Pellegrini, although Gianluca Mancini accidentally put the ball into his own net on an Attila Fiola cross.
“Every game is difficult at international level, Hungary are a really good team, but we remained concentrated,” Bastoni told RAI Sport.
“It’s natural to suffer under pressure at times at this level. We had the chances to score a third or even fourth goal, so it was a strong performance.”
This result means Italy are top of their Nations League group on four points, followed by Hungary on three, Germany two and England one point.
That’s because Harry Kane’s late penalty allowed England to equalise 1-1 in Munich.
There were numerous young faces in the Nazionale this evening, although Bastoni is hardly a veteran either.
“I am 23 years old, but I try to help out the even younger players where I can. I have some experience at international level with Inter too.”
Inevitably, the conversation also turned to the ongoing transfer speculation that has Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United in a bidding war for Bastoni, who could be for sale if the price reaches €70m.
“I have two years of my contract with Inter, so I am relaxed. The club hasn’t told me anything, I am just waiting to go on vacation after this and then start pre-season with Inter.”
70m for a 23yr old player who clearly doesn’t want to leave? Sometimes Italian clubs make themselves look weak and desperate and the EPL clubs know it. If Suning had any guts, they would slap a 150m price tag and see whether these EPL clubs are really serious.