Image source: sempreinter.com
Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni has endured a disappointing Champions League campaign this season, with costly mistakes in the Nerazzurri’s recent European fixtures undermining his otherwise solid domestic form for the Italian giants.
Alessandro Bastoni’s Champions League Struggles Continue Despite Strong Serie A Form
The 26-year-old Italy international has been criticised for his performances on the continental stage, particularly in Inter’s last two Champions League outings where defensive lapses proved decisive. Despite maintaining his reputation as a reliable performer in Serie A with consistent displays throughout the domestic campaign, Bastoni’s European form has fallen well short of his usual elite standards.
Bastoni’s sluggish reaction proved costly in Inter’s 2-1 defeat at Atletico Madrid’s Metropolitano Stadium, where he lost track of Jose Maria Gimenez during a crucial defensive moment. The Uruguayan defender capitalised on Bastoni’s positional error to head home a last-minute winner for Los Colchoneros, dealing a significant blow to Inter’s Champions League qualification hopes.
The Italian defender was again at fault during Inter’s controversial 1-0 home defeat to Liverpool on Tuesday evening at San Siro. While referee Felix Zwayer made what has been described as a major error in awarding Liverpool a penalty, Bastoni’s actions provided sufficient grounds for the German official to point to the spot, ultimately deciding the outcome of the crucial group stage encounter.
The poor European displays have added to criticism of Bastoni’s recent international performances, with Italian media having previously slammed the defender for disappointing showings while on duty with the national team. However, his domestic form remains strong, with the left-sided centre-back continuing to provide the defensive solidity that has made him a key figure in Inter’s Serie A campaign this season.
