Legendary former Inter defender Beppe Bergomi believes that current Nerazzurri centre-back Alessandro Bastoni is well-equipped for the modern game even if he is not a like-for-like replacement for Giorgio Chiellini in the Italian national team.
Speaking to Italian broadcaster Sky Sport Italia, Bergomi gave the view that the 23-year-old’s more possession-oriented and proactive style of play is well-suited to the modern game.
Bastoni started in defense for the Azzurri in yesterday evening’s Nations league matchup against Germany, after Chiellini had started alongside Leonardo Bonucci in the “Finalissima” match against Argentina.
The change represents something of a sea change, with Chiellini ready to bow out from the international game having already announced his plan to depart from Juventus after more than a decade and a half with the Bianconeri.
Bastoni looks to be the player who will inherit the Azzurri captain’s spot in the backline, and Bergomi feels that while he’s not the same type of player he can do well in the role nevertheless.
“He has personality,” he said of Bastoni, “he’ll never be Chiellini in defense, he will never have the same strength or concentration in marking, but he plays with the ball and creates numerical superiority. He ‘s an important player for Inter and for the national team in the modern game.”
