Former Juventus captain Leonardo Bonucci hails Inter Milan stalwart Alessandro Bastoni for his technical skills, proclaiming him his rightful successor in the national team.

Although he’s only 25, the Atalanta youth product has been a protagonist for the Italian champions for years.

Since joining the club in 2017, the Italian has been on a steady rise. He has now cemented himself as one of the finest centre-backs, not only in Serie A, but all across Europe.

In fact, it is world-class players like Bastoni who have truly set the Nerazzurri apart from the chasing pack. Although they have a heated race on their hands, the most renowned online bookmakers – including the ones you can find on Toshi.bet – continue to mark Inter as the main favourites to defend their Serie A crown.

These betting platforms also consider the Beneamata as a potential Dark Horse in the Champions League.

And with players like Bastoni among their ranks, Inter can certainly dream of achieving great feats this season.

In addition to his undisputed defensive prowess, the Italy international has been a notch above the others when it comes to on-the-ball skills.

The 25-year-old can be a menacing presence down the left flank. So it’s not really surprising to see Simone Inzaghi turning to the defender to fill in as a left wingback during the injury crisis.

Leonardo Bonucci Sees Himself In Inter Milan Star Alessandro Bastoni

Alessandro Bastoni looking on
(Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Therefore, Bonucci hailed Bastoni for his exceptional technical skills. The Juventus legend thus crowns the Inter man as his heir in the Italian national team, at least in terms of playing characteristics.

“Among the players on this national team, the one who resembles me the most in terms of technical characteristics is Alessandro Bastoni,” said the recently-retired defender in his interview with the official FIGC website via FcInterNews.

“While in terms of leadership, I’d say it’s Gigio Donnarumma. Despite having a different character from mine, he represents a point of reference.

“It seems to me they managed to create a good chemistry between the team and the staff. That’s a fundamental factor in obtaining results.”

Bonucci isn’t the only Juventus legend to have lauded Bastoni. His old partner-in-crime Giorgio Chiellini had identified the Nerazzurri star as the ‘best defender at the moment’.

Luckily for Inter, they have tied the Italian defender to a contract valid until the summer of 2028. This season, Bastoni has made 40 appearances in all competitions, contributing with one goal and five assists.