Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni has shared his thoughts on the current season, transfer speculation, and the team’s aspirations in an interview with Libero. The Italian international rates the first part of the season as an 8 out of 10, acknowledging a slow start but expressing satisfaction with the team’s position in both the Champions League and Serie A.
Reflecting on Inter’s recent defeat to Bayer Leverkusen in Europe, Bastoni admitted it was difficult to digest: “It’s never easy to accept a loss. When I got home, I thought about everything. But just look at where Bayern Munich, Manchester City, or Real Madrid are to understand that we’re doing well.” He emphasized the team’s high standards, adding, “If you’ve accustomed everyone to excellence, you must be good at maintaining that standard. This is our responsibility, though it’s clear we can’t win every match.”
Addressing speculation about Inter’s approach in the Leverkusen game, Bastoni clarified, “No, it’s not like that. We always play to win, but when Bayer has the ball, they’re stronger even than City. And certainly, we weren’t at our best that day.”
On the topic of player rotation, Bastoni stressed the importance of rest: “It’s unthinkable to play every game at 100% mentally. Rest is essential because if you’re not at your best, the team struggles.”
Bastoni also touched on transfer interest from other clubs: “There have been some clubs interested in me, but I’ve always given top priority to Inter. I’m in a top team that plays to win everything. I’ve never thought about changing teams. Also, beyond football, there’s life, and my family is very happy here in Milan.”
The defender praised coach Simone Inzaghi’s ability to make every player feel crucial to the team, while also noting the initial challenges in adapting to his style after Antonio Conte’s tenure. Speaking of Conte, Bastoni interpreted his former coach’s recent comments about Serie A favorites as an attempt to “destabilize the environment a bit.”
When asked to choose between winning the Scudetto or reaching the Champions League final, Bastoni didn’t hesitate: “If I have to choose between the certainty of the 21st Scudetto or the Champions League final, I absolutely take the final.”
Reflecting on last season’s Champions League final loss, he said, “We lacked a bit of luck and the awareness we didn’t have yet. Now we know we’re at that level.”
Bastoni concluded by emphasizing the importance of squad harmony: “Outside the locker room, it’s difficult to convey the importance of all players, but we know it. I no longer read negative comments from outside. What’s important is knowing that everyone feels important within the team.”
