Inter centre back Alessandro Bastoni has thanked Inter manager Antonio Conte for what he has done for him and his career after making his Italian national team debut last night in the 4-0 international friendly win over Estonia.

“It is a dream that has become reality because for all children who play football the ambition is to wear the national team jersey.

“It happened for me today [last night], we didn’t concede any goals so I’m very satisfied,” he began an interview with Italian broadcaster Rai Sport, which took place following the match at the Stadio Artemio Franchi.

Bastoni was then asked what it was like for him to play alongside Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci at the back.

“For me it is a great pleasure to be here with Leo because I admire him so much as a player and I try to learn the most from him and from all the other highly experienced players.”

He was then asked if he thinks it would be possible for him to play alongside both Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini.

“I think so, we play in a similar way to Inter where there are three of us in the defence and two of us are able to build play then our task is to defend, but I do not think it’s a problem at all.”

He was then asked about the COVID-19 situation, which meant players in the squad were turning up on different days.

“Fortunately for me I had it so I also have the antibodies that allowed me to come here quickly, unlike, for example, Barella who was protected a little more. I am very happy with the debut this evening.”

Next the former Atalanta defender was asked if the game was a complicated one for him on an emotional level.

“Yes, but I think that at these levels no match is easy. Playing at Inter we have important competitions such as the Champions League, on the international field nothing is taken for granted, we were good and attentive. I am satisfied to have finished the game with a clean sheet.”

In conclusion Bastoni spoke on what Conte has done for him: “I am very satisfied because I think I have grown a lot thanks to him. I am well both mentally and physically, he is giving me great confidence.

“Last year I never made my debut in the Champions League, this year I have played all three games, this makes me very satisfied with my growth.”