Inter defender Alessandro Bastoni explained that the team are still at the beginning of a new cycle, but has no doubts about their ability to compete for the title. The Nerazzurri were considered favourites by many to follow up their 2021-22 success by winning second Serie A title in a row, only for Napoli to run away with the Scudetto. Speaking with La Gazzetta dello Sport, Bastoni touched on the reasons why he believes the team can be in the mix for the title again, and why he has such an important role in leading the new summer arrivals:
Is the changing Inter a winning Inter?
“So many performers are different, important players on and off the pitch are gone. But we are here now. It is up to us who are here to make those who have arrived and those who will arrive, understand what it means to play for Inter and to be in Milan. And then, specifically, we have to help the coach and make the new teammates quickly understand our now proven way of playing.”
Are they already doing that?
“Of course they are. We are all satisfied, as far as I’ve been able to see, people have arrived who are willing to work and learn. Time is needed, but I have no doubt that they will all be up to the task.”
One name above all, a defender like yourself: Bisseck.
“You’ve all seen him. He has great physical strength, he is good, he has room and time to improve a lot. We are counting on him a lot.”
Does the word scudetto bother you? It is being uttered very openly this year….
“We are at Inter, winning is a must. And therefore we think about bringing home as many results as possible. We must put our heads to this task, the rest will come accordingly. We will see in a few months where we are at, then everything will be understood. But if the mentality will be this, I have no doubt that Inter will be in the race for the top.”
Last year this was not always the case. Perhaps a slow start was also to blame. Is it fair to say that the goal will be to start strong?
“Certainly, we want to run right away. To tell the truth, last year we also wanted to, but something went wrong.”
What?
“We erred from the mental point of view. We ‘sinned’ by presumption, probably derived from previous years. You can’t afford that in Serie A. But you will see that this year we will not repeat that mistake.”
Against Monza, in the league opener, will we see the Inter of Istanbul again?
“We will see again the Inter that has taken to the pitch from January onward. With few exceptions, always compact, with the desire to all help each other, to fight for each other. We have an obligation to try to always be that team.”
