Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni broke his silence about the controversial episode that unfolded in Saturday’s Derby d’Italia.
During Tuesday’s press conference via FCInterNews, the Italian center-back assessed his actions in the derby clash against Juventus.
Cristian Chivu finally broke his ‘big game’ curse in Serie A last weekend as Inter squeezed past Juventus at San Siro.
Indeed, the Nerazzurri left it late to beat the 10-man Bianconeri at home, with Piotr Zielinski netting a late winner.
Meanwhile, Alessandro Bastoni helped his side secure a numerical advantage on the stroke of halftime.
His dive convinced referee Federico La Penna to send off Pierre Kalulu, leaving Luciano Spalletti’s team a man down in the second half.
Despite taking three points, Bastoni has quickly come to regret his decision to fake a foul.
The 26-year-old fell victim to online abuse on social media and even received death threats.
However, he repented for what he had done.
Alessandro Bastoni Assesses Inter Milan 3-2 Juventus Controversy
“I wanted to be here to clarify my version of events,” Bastoni confirmed. “I’ve been the most talked-about person over the last 48 hours. It’s only right to be here.
“I felt the contact from Kalulu, and I definitely exaggerated the fall to try to gain an advantage from it; I can say that without any issue.
“I’m especially sorry for the reaction afterwards, a very ugly reaction from me, but a very human one. And I’m sorry for acting that way; it’s right for me to be here today to take responsibility.
“But it’s equally right that my character is not defined by a single incident. I have over 300 games under my belt, and this is the first time anyone’s talking about me after an episode of this nature.
“I’ve noticed so many falsehoods, so much hypocrisy, and so much fake moralizing. And I’ve heard many insiders say things that don’t hold water anywhere.
“Instead, I thank those who told the truth. The truth is Bastoni was wrong, he was an idiot, and he made a mistake. You can make mistakes, but you have to admit them, and that’s why I’m here.
“It was a media pile-on. I’m perfectly capable of handling it, but my wife and daughter less so. My wife received death threats, wishes of harm and illness.
“And I’m sorry for La Penna, who’s suffered the same things.”
Inter Milan Star Alessandro Bastoni Insists He’s Mentally Well
Asked whether the media pressure knocked him off his perch, Bastoni replied: “No, it didn’t affect me too much.
“We are people who are exposed in the media, we used to this type of media pile-on, as the president rightly defined it yesterday.
“I am capable of managing this situation; I feel more sorry for my wife and my daughter, who found themselves facing death threats that are completely out of order.
“Just like I feel for referee La Penna. For people less accustomed to this level of exposure.”
Furthermore, he insisted that he is feeling well, all things considered.
“Mentally, I’m doing very well,” Bastoni added.
“The same thing happened in reverse when a penalty was awarded to Liverpool but Wirtz didn’t suffer the accusations I have.
“Chivu has been consistent, I say this because he has been criticized for saying these things. Now I really want to get on the pitch.
“I am not weakened mentally or physically, so I am ready to play. Therefore, I am ready to play.”
we always stand besides you Basto, no matter what.
chiellini, del piero and others that merda men are full of hypocrisy, we all knew that.
i will never forgot ’98 incident between iuliano – ronaldo. now those jube fans will have to swallow their karma
Who care.
calciopoli teams, fans are making bullshit words
Loser always too noisy
You don’t have to apologize to anyone , my favorite defender. Many other players did worse and nobody said anything especially Rubentus big stars… Del Piero, Julian, Chiellini and may more. We love you and pray for you and family. God bless….
No need to apologize. This is how the game is played. Until the rules are changed, EVERYONE will continue to play this way. It is not up to Bastoni to determine Kalulu’s intention or contact. You lift your hand to obstruct a counter attack, you run the risk of commuting a yellow card foul. Don’t want your minimal contact to punished? Keep your hands down.
Same with slide tackles. You miss the ball but the dribbler jumps over your legs? I think you could and should be whistled for a foul. It is not up to the guy with the ball to avoid your contact or “stay on his feet”
Football is a game of contact not every contact or touching warrant a dive as if someone is thrown a bomb at. I’m not juve fan nor inter fan, but you are clearly wrong. Bastoni admitted he exaggerated , if it was handled fairly bastoni was more likely to get a second yellow than kalulu. But guess He is a black guy and dealt differently
Dont worry, Basto. You did the right job, this is just karma for rube
Got a free bet from a site…gonna place it on mauro pounding rube in the second half.
good call
Bravo, Bastoni. This is the right blue and black attitude. Everyone makes mistakes and the over reaction is normal in this highly emotional match. Of course even Buffon never apologizes to Muntari, let alone Chielini. Those who send the death threat to the innocent should be punished.
He and Chivu are right to point out many incidents including the one with Writz should get even more attention, and it is unfair that we are the one to be bullied more.
I wish Basto and Inter even a better journey with this gentlemen attitude. You are loved by many and we will defend you anytime