Legendary former Juventus and Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini believes that Inter defender Alessandro Bastoni is on track to reaching the level that he did for the national team, though only with time.
Speaking to Milan-based newspaper yesterday Gazzetta dello Sport, the 37-year-old gave the view that Bastoni has similar qualities to himself when he was a younger player.
The confirmation that Chiellini will leave Juventus at the end of the season just gone means that the Bianconeri and likely Serie A will lose one of its most recognizable and decorated figure of the past decade or so.
The 37-year-old has not only marked out a memorable career with Juventus, but also with the Italian national team, with whom he won the Euros last summer, partnering Juventus teammate Leonardo Bonucci in the final against England.
Based on Azzurri coach Roberto Mancini’s recent selections, Bastoni is the player who he sees filling the formidable void left by Chiellini, who believes that the Nerazzurri defender has what it takes.
“Alessandro is left-footed like me and is getting better and better for the national team,” the defender said, “he just needs more time to grow and learn from his mistakes, as I did as well.”
