Alessandro Bastoni admits he ‘didn’t expect to score two goals’ in two Nations League games, but ‘if Italy can play like this against France in Paris, we can do it against anyone.’
The Inter defender had not played for the Nazionale since that disastrous red card in the World Cup play-off against Bosnia and Herzegovina, which saw the Azzurri miss out on a third consecutive edition of the tournament.
He made a remarkable comeback, scoring in the 4-1 victory away to Turkiye, and tonight to seal a 1-1 with France in Paris.
Bastoni unexpected hitman for Italy
“It was a tough game, we knew it would be, it’s hardly news, but I am so happy with the team performance,” Bastoni told RAI Sport.
“We fought hard, we suffered, we even ruined some of France’s objectives for tonight, as they were prepared for a big celebration. We knew we weren’t coming here for a walk in the park, and that’s how it was.”
He is not the player that Italy expected to get the goals, but he is the top scorer so far in Roberto Mancini’s second tenure.
“It’s certainly pleasing to score again, but the moment it was done, I thought we had to make sure we didn’t concede another, otherwise it was all points. This is a good result that boosts our confidence going forward,” noted Bastoni.
It was not just the red card that hurt him in recent months, but also an off the field scandal that saw some push for him to leave Serie A.
“I didn’t expect to score two goals, but I never lost faith in myself. I won’t let one or two situations ruin the career of over 300 games. I thank my family for being by my side and I hope that keeping my head up high is seen as a positive,” continued the centre-back.
France have not kept a clean sheet against Italy since the 0-0 in September 2007, conceding 10 goals in the last seven encounters.
When Dayot Upamecano was sent off in the final minutes, Italy pushed hard for a potential winner.
“We believed in our chances of victory from the start, and indeed had the best chances in the first half to break the deadlock. It’s a strong signal, because if we can put in a performance like this against France in Paris, then we can do it against anyone,” concluded Bastoni.
“Now there is another game in this run and we are not taking anything for granted, it is another important test.”
