Alessandro Bastoni received a thunderous ovation from Inter Milan's supporters during their emphatic 5-2 triumph over Roma, marking a dramatic shift for the defender who has endured weeks of intense scrutiny and backlash. This moment of redemption came after he was heavily targeted following Italy's heartbreaking failure to qualify for the World Cup and a contentious incident in the Derby d'Italia.
From National Villain to Club Saviour
Italy's decision to avoid playing their World Cup qualifying playoff at San Siro, opting instead for Bergamo, was explained by manager Gennaro Gattuso as a move to shield players from potential hostility in a stadium shared by rival clubs Milan and Inter. Ironically, it was San Siro that ultimately provided solace for Bastoni, who had become the scapegoat for Italy's collective collapse. His first-half red card in the playoff loss to Bosnia was a pivotal moment, exacerbating his already tarnished reputation.
Controversy and Backlash
Bastoni's troubles escalated after February's Derby d'Italia, where he was accused of diving to get Juventus's Pierre Kalulu sent off. His celebratory reaction to the dismissal was widely condemned, leading to relentless jeering from away fans in subsequent matches, even at venues like Lecce and Como's Stadio Sinigaglia where no traditional rivalry exists. Despite apologising and calling his actions "really ugly," the criticism spiralled into extreme measures, including death threats against his wife on social media.
Many viewed his red card in Bosnia as karmic retribution, drawing parallels to David Beckham's infamous 1998 World Cup sending-off. Speculation about a summer move away from Italy has grown, with Barcelona reportedly interested, yet Bastoni remains an Inter player for now.
Inter's Crucial Victory
Inter entered the match against Roma under pressure, having failed to win any of their four games in March after previously leading Serie A by 10 points. A defeat would have allowed Milan or Napoli to close the gap significantly. Roma, motivated by their Champions League ambitions, posed a stern test, but Inter struck early with Lautaro Martínez scoring within 60 seconds after returning from a calf injury.
Turning the Tide
Roma equalised before half-time through Gianluca Mancini, but Hakan Calhanoglu restored Inter's lead with a spectacular 30-yard strike. In the second half, Marcus Thuram assisted Lautaro for another goal and scored himself from a Calhanoglu corner, making it 4-1. The defining moment came when Bastoni was substituted to a standing ovation, with fans chanting his name loudly—a stark contrast to the hostility he faced elsewhere.
Nicolò Barella added a fifth goal, celebrating with a hug for Bastoni on the sideline, before Lorenzo Pellegrini pulled one back for Roma. The 5-2 result bolstered Inter's title hopes and provided a personal triumph for Bastoni, who had been defended by teammate Christian Chivu for playing through injury during the playoffs.
Redemption Limited to Club Level
While Bastoni's performance offered redemption at Inter, it does little to heal the wounds of Italy's third consecutive World Cup absence. The win reinforces Inter's pursuit of a third Serie A title this decade, with Bastoni playing a key role. However, rival fans' resentment may only deepen, as his club success highlights the disconnect between national and club loyalties. For now, Bastoni has turned jeers into joy at San Siro, proving his resilience amid adversity.
