Inter defender Alessandro Bastoni feels that he proved that he can keep growing his game with his strong display in the unfamiliar central role in the backline against Venezia yesterday evening.

Speaking to Italian broadcaster DAZN after the Nerazzurri’s 2-0 win in Venice, the 22-year-old explained that he was happy to play in the position that he was given and that he hopes to keep up his progress.

Inter coach Simone Inzaghi opted to entrust the central role in the back three to Bastoni as Stefan de Vrij is still recovering from the injury that he picked up during the international break while Andrea Ranocchia was not completely fit.

The young defender usually plays on the left side of the backline, but he looked to understand his remit well playing in the centre, flanked by Milan Skriniar and Federico Dimarco either side of him.

The player did not feel out of place in the role, stating that he felt “Comfortable, in the end the principles and the tasks are the same. I felt good, we are a cohesive unit and I am pleased to help the team.”

He added that “When you get to a certain point in your career you have to get yourself to wake up, otherwise your development can stall.”

“I’m 22 and I can improve many parts of my game with experience,” the defender explained. “For now I try to do my best as always.”