Inter Milan Star Under Fire For Taking Too Many Risks In Italy 2-2 Nations League Thriller Vs Belgium

Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni has received criticism for taking too many risks in Italy’s 2-2 Nations League draw against Belgium.

Today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews, give the 25-year-old a score of just 5/10 in the player ratings for the match.

It was certainly little surprise to see Bastoni in the starting eleven for Italy yesterday.

The Inter defender has become an absolutely crucial player for the Azzurri in the last couple years.

With the likes of Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini having retired, Italy have needed a defensive linchpin.

And Bastoni has been the player to step up in that respect.

Bastoni has long thrived playing on the left of a back three for Inter. This is a role that’s allowed him to roam up the flank and contribute in attack.

There has perhaps been a sense that Bastoni’s passing and technical ability on the ball have been a greater asset than his defending.

But for Italy in the last twelve months, the Inter man has become a proficient penalty area defender.

Alessandro Bastoni Under Fire For Excessive Risks In Italy Belgium Draw

In the view of the Gazzetta, Bastoni did well in the first half against Belgium yesterday defensively.

The Inter defender had to mark RB Leipzig striker Lois Openda. And he did so convincingly.

But in possession, the Gazzetta argue, Bastoni was taking too many risks.

The Inter defender’s short passing in buildup can certainly be a big plus for his team. But yesterday it was sloppy and proved costly.

The first half red card to Lorenzo Pellegrini was the result of a careless ball by Bastoni.

Then, the Gazzetta notes, in the second half Bastoni struggled to cope with the pressure with Italy at a numerical disadvantage.

In the view of the newspaper, the 25-year-old was fortunate not to concede a penalty for a challenge on Openda.