Alessandro Bastoni has made remarkable improvements during his time at Inter, according to former Italian journeyman striker Rolando Bianchi.

The 21-year-old central defender, who recently made his debut for the Italian national team, has developed a great deal in the past year or so thanks to Antonio Conte and the great deal of trust that he has placed in Bastoni.

Bastoni has certainly cemented himself as one of the best young defenders in Europe, with Inter reportedly planning to offer him a new contract before the end of this season.

“I had no doubts about Bastoni, he has made crazy improvements,” Bianchi remarked in an interview with Italian broadcaster Sky Sport Italia today.

“Now he is a complete defender and one of the most complete at national level, despite being young.”

Inter are currently sitting at the top of the Serie A table after 24 games played and Bianchi, who also played for Manchester City and Lazio during his playing days, offered his views on the team as a whole.

“Inter’s players have come together in moments of difficulty and after the derby they found even more awareness of the qualities that they have,” he explained.

“Given the difficulties Juventus are going through, this year Inter must win the league.

“AC Milan are performing beyond expectations but have something less than Inter.”

Inter will aim to preserve their four-point lead over the Rossoneri at the top of the table when they visit Parma on Thursday.

Achraf Hakimi is expected to return to the side after serving a one-match suspension against Genoa on Sunday, but otherwise the Nerazzurri’s starting XI should be unchanged.