Inter and Italy defender Alessandro Bastoni confirms he held talks with Antonio Conte’s Tottenham in the summer but is happy he didn’t leave the Stadio Meazza.
The Italy international, a die-hard Inter fan, had been linked with Spurs and Manchester United during the last summer transfer window.
Conte had been pushing to secure his signature in North London, but Bastoni opted to stay at the Stadio Meazza.
“There were a few contacts, but I am happy I stayed at Inter,” he told Il Corriere Dello Sport when asked whether Conte tried to sign him last summer.
Bastoni played 74 games under Conte at Inter, scoring two goals.
The Italian tactician coached Bastoni for two years at Inter. Simone Inzaghi replaced him and CorSport asked Bastoni the differences between Conte, Inzaghi, and Italy CT Roberto Mancini.
“With Conte, we entered the pitch knowing exactly what we had to do. It was all perfectly studied. The other two are similar in how they prepare for games and approach players.
“They are very calm and open to dialogue. Inzaghi has given me so much in terms of style of play. The tendency to run forward was born thanks to him.”
Bastoni won the Euros with Italy last year but was also part of the team that failed to qualify for Qatar 2022.
“Like all my teammates, I’d have loved to be involved and represent our country. We can only reset and try again in four years,” he said.
“It was a huge blow, even more, if you think this is the second time for Italy. As a player, you feel the responsibility for missing out on this target.”
Who will he support in Qatar?
“I’ve always had a great passion for Leo Messi, so I support Argentina and I’d be happy also for Lautaro, obviously.”
The Nerazzurri return to the pitch on January 4 in a key Serie A clash against Napoli at San Siro.
“It’s a crossroads, not earning a good result would be a huge blow and it would make it more complicated to fill the gap.”
Leave a Reply