Inter Milan star Alessandro Bastoni delivered a controlled but below-par performance as Italy won 2-0 over Northern Ireland, playing 64 minutes before making way for Juventus defender Federico Gatti as Gattuso managed his fitness carefully ahead of Tuesday’s play-off final against Bosnia.
The Inter Milan centre-back has been carrying a shin injury since the Milan derby and his physical limitations were visible at times during the evening in Bergamo.
To his credit, Bastoni compensated with experience and positional intelligence, reading the game well to ensure Northern Ireland, who offered little attacking threat, never truly troubled him.
A yellow card prompted Gattuso to withdraw him as a precaution, with the Bosnia clash firmly in mind.
Italy 2-0 Northern Ireland – Italian Media Modest In Assessment Of Inter Star Bastoni
The Italian media were broadly in agreement, via L’Interista.
It was a solid, professional showing from a player who was clearly not at full capacity.
Corriere dello Sport were the most generous, awarding 6.5.
“He organises and holds the defence together. He is not at his best and it shows occasionally, he misjudges a header from a corner, but he often manages to mask it.”
Gazzetta dello Sport settled on a 6.
“The Irish, toothless, cannot unsettle him, and his head stays clear. But he lacks the typical enterprise of someone who knows how to win ground. The yellow card counsels caution. He comes off.”
Tuttosport also gave 6, with an encouraging forward-looking note.
“Our most dangerous centre-back in terms of offensive contribution, he holds his own despite not being at peak fitness, competing with intensity without taking risks. Substituted, also with Tuesday evening in mind.”
The priority now is ensuring Bastoni recovers sufficiently to play a full part against Bosnia, a match that will determine whether Italy reach the World Cup.