Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni feels that the Nerazzurri take extra energy from the stakes of this evening’s match against Juventus.
The 24-year-old spoke to InterTV, via FCInterNews, ahead of the Derby d’Italia clash between first and second in the Serie A table.
Inter and Juventus face off this evening with the possibility of the Serie A title being decided.
There is still a long way to go. But the Nerazzurri and the Bianconeri are the two teams best-placed to win the title by far.
And with just a point separating the pair, a win for either would certainly have an impact on the direction of the title race.
Inter and Juventus have both had a week to think about this match and prepare for it.
And, in truth, the two teams have understood how big this evening would be for a lot longer than that.
Now, the match is less than an hour away.
There will be pressure for both teams. But also the extra energy, motivation, and adrenaline that come from matches of this scale.
Inter have played in a Champions League final in the last twelve months.
And the Nerazzurri will also be playing in front of their home fans at the San Siro, something which come to play a role in proceedings.
Bastoni: Facing Juventus Top Of The Table Gives Inter Extra Energy
“Tonight, beyond the tactics, I think the emotional aspect of the game will be important,” Bastoni said.
“It’s a very important match.”
“Inter against Juve, first against second in the table. And we’ll have to give a clear response as far as this goes.”
As far as what the place of the two teams gives Inter for motivation, Bastoni replied “A lot, undoubtedly.”
“Then, there’s the fact that we’re playing here in front of our fans,” the Italian international noted.
“It’s been more than a month since we’ve played at the San Siro, and we’re happy to be doing so in this important match.”
And as far as defending Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic, the Inter defender said that “We know how good of a striker Vlahovic is.”
“He’s a great player,” Bastoni added. “But beyond the individual players, Juventus are a great team. So we’ll have to play well as a team.”
