Antonio Conte deserves credit for Alessandro Bastoni’s impressive development over the last 18 months, a report in the Italian media argued today.
Tuesday’s print edition of Corriere della Sera were full of praise for Bastoni and his fellow Italy international Nicolo Barella following Sunday’s 2-0 win over Juventus in the Derby d’Italia.
The pair were described as ‘Inter’s Italian future’ after starring in the victory against the Bianconeri, but it was also suggested that they would not be showing such good form now had Conte not shown so much faith in them throughout his time in charge.
Conte merits particular praise for his work on developing Bastoni, who looked set to spend last season out on loan before Conte threw him into the starting line-up for the Nerazzurri’s 3-1 win at Sampdoria in September 2019.
Enhancing the qualities of players at his disposal is in fact one of Conte’s best qualities as a coach, in addition to being able to bring silverware to the clubs he works for.
Bastoni’s agent told reporters earlier today that talks over a reported contract extension for the defender were on hold, due to the financial difficulties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, Tulio Tinti also made it clear that there was no problem between him and Inter and that Bastoni was happy to wait for his new deal.
