Alessandro Bastoni has gained ‘international status’ as a defender, according to AC Milan’s former centre-back Alessandro Costacurta.
The 21-year-old impressed again for the Nerazzurri last night as Inter beat Parma to open up a six-point lead at the top of Serie A.
Bastoni only made his senior debut for Italy last November but Costacurta is tipping him to star at this summer’s European Championships.
Speaking on Sky Sport Italia’s pre-match show before yesterday’s game at Parma, Costacurta said: “This is the third season in a row that Bastoni has played more than 20 games in Serie A.
“I think he has now shown not only that he can play in Serie A but that he has achieved international status.
“I also believe Bastoni will be a starter for Italy at the European Championships.”
Bastoni played the full 90 minutes at the Stadio Ennio Tardini last night, earning rave reviews in this morning’s papers for his performance against his former club.
Costacurta also heaped further praise on Romelu Lukaku, who ended up providing both assists for Alexis Sanchez’s match-winning goals against the Ducali.
“Lukaku is truly a sensational player at the moment, he brings the best out of anyone who plays with him,” he added.
“I think if myself and Massimo Marianella (also in Sky’s studios last night) played behind Lukaku, even we’d score a few goals.
“Lukaku makes everyone better.”
Inter have a golden opportunity now to win their first league title in 11 years, having won 15 of their last 18 games in Serie A.
Only runaway Premier League leaders Manchester City have picked up more points than the Nerazzurri during the same period of time.
