Inter Milan boss Cristian Chivu came to the defense of under-fire Alessandro Bastoni on Saturday, praising his centre-back’s bravery and sense of responsibility after Italy’s World Cup play-off loss and criticizing the media attention surrounding the club.
Bastoni has been a target for Italian media and opposition fans since Inter’s Valentine’s Day win over Juventus after he was accused of diving to clear Pierre Kalulu from the pitch and then celebrating the red card.
The international breakthrough did little to relieve the pressure. His rash last-man error in the first half left Italy with ten men, and they subsequently lost the World Cup play-off in Bosnia on penalties.
«Football is about the respect of your teammates. What matters is your work and who you are as a person,» Chivu told reporters ahead of Sunday’s home match with AS Roma.
“I’m sure he is disappointed about what happened, but at the same time grateful for the support he received from his national teammates and his teammates here at the club.
«Because he showed his face. Because in a difficult moment he stepped forward with what he had, to represent his country and try to realize the dream of all Italians.»
As well as having to shrug off the negative attention, Bastoni also missed Inter’s most recent match through injury before joining Italy.
“Despite the difficulties, despite his physical condition at the time, he made himself available, and that means a lot to me,” Chivu said.
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«I understand what it means to spend ten days on crutches and then take the step and take responsibility in such an important match.»
Chivu pushed back when asked about the media storm that followed the match against Juventus, shifting the question to reporters about what he believes are double standards when it comes to Inter.
“I haven’t seen the same reaction since, but if it’s Inter, if anyone says Inter is preferred, then it’s going to be a public flogging,” Chivu said.
«But when there are episodes that go against Inter, suddenly no one says anything. That’s a question I should ask you because you are the ones who have to answer it.»
PRAISE, NOT BLAME
Inter had five players involved in Italy’s defeat, with 20-year-old striker Pio Esposito missing the first penalty in the shootout.
“What was important to me, and I asked him when I saw him, was whether he had asked to take the penalty,” Chivu said.
“His answer was yes, and for me that’s enough.
«Taking responsibility at such a young age, while knowing very well the importance of the match, is enough for me. Penalties can be missed, and he will miss many in his career. Lihat juga mps3ds. What matters is that he had the courage to go a step further.»
Inter are at the top of the standings, six points ahead of AC Milan, who play third-placed Napoli on Monday.
Published on April 4, 2026
