Alessandro Bastoni admits Inter players feared the team was weaker at the beginning of the season, but new signings have been excellent and Italy players have ‘made a difference’ in the Nerazzurri’s Serie A title victory.
Bastoni released an interview with Il Giornale the day after Inter’s Serie A title win.
The Italy international was a key player for Simone Inzaghi this season, but his compatriots were also crucial in the Nerazzurri’s title-winning campaign.
“I’ve always said we have a strong Azzurri base in the team,” said the 25-year-old, as quoted by fcinter1908.it.
“It’s important because it makes a difference in Serie A. You must know the league you play in and have a DNA that matches the league.”
Inzaghi said on Monday night that none of his players had complained in the morning when they trained at the Pinetina before the derby.
“The morning before the game, we spent an hour in the rain to practice set pieces,” Bastoni confirmed.
“This mirrors our season. Attention to detail and take nothing for granted. We’ve learned so much from the errors we made in the past and we didn’t want to repeat them. This was our strength.”
The Inter squad deeply changed last summer, with players like André Onana, Milan Skriniar, Marcelo Brozovic and Romelu Lukaku leaving. Did Bastoni fear Inter had weakened?
“Yes, 12 players had left and we feared we had weakened because we didn’t know the new players well,” the Italy international admitted.
“On the contrary, new players didn’t only have talent but also a great desire to settle in well. We were sure about the talent, but you never know about the human aspect. I can now say that they are all fantastic guys, on and off the pitch. There is incredible sync between new and old players.”
Three Inter players set to shine for Italy and more at Euro 2024
Was winning the 20th Scudetto in the derby against Milan an even bigger satisfaction?
“Of course, it was. The club, we players and moreover, the fans wanted it,” said Bastoni.
“The fans were extraordinary and always supported us. We won the sixth consecutive derby. It’s a page that will forever be in Inter’s history books.
“To win with Inter means so much. We’ve made many sacrifices over the last few years, and there have also been disappointments,” continued the Nerazzurri defender.
“Now, I look at these people in the face, and I feel they are my second family. I’d throw myself into the fire for this family.”
Bastoni has made 34 appearances across all competitions this season, scoring one goal and providing four assists.