Gattuso Stands by Bastoni Despite Inter-Juventus Controversy
Italy head coach Gennaro Gattuso is reportedly unwilling to let club-level controversy influence his national team plans, as scrutiny continues to swirl around Inter defender Alessandro Bastoni following the latest Derby d’Italia.
According to multiple Italian outlets, including La Gazzetta dello Sport and Corriere dello Sport, the Italy coach has no intention of dropping Bastoni from the Azzurri squad despite mounting criticism over the defender’s conduct during Inter’s fiery clash with Juventus.
The Incident That Sparked Debate
The controversy erupted during Saturday’s meeting between Inter Milan and Juventus, one of the most heated fixtures in Italian football.
Bastoni received a second yellow card after going down under pressure from Juventus defender Pierre Kalulu in what many observers described as minimal contact. The decision resulted in Kalulu being shown a red card, shifting the dynamic of the match and igniting fierce debate among fans and pundits.
Television replays fueled accusations that Bastoni had exaggerated the challenge. His animated celebration following Kalulu’s dismissal further intensified backlash, with sections of supporters and some journalists arguing that such behavior did not reflect well on a national team regular.
In the immediate aftermath, calls surfaced on social media and across sports talk shows suggesting that Bastoni should be left out of Italy’s upcoming squad as a disciplinary statement.
Gattuso’s Calculated Approach
However, reports indicate that Gattuso views the episode through a different lens.
The former midfield enforcer, known for his combative playing style and no-nonsense personality, is said to consider the incident part of the emotional intensity that defines high-stakes Serie A clashes. More importantly, he reportedly sees Bastoni as central to Italy’s defensive structure moving forward.
At 24, Bastoni has become a cornerstone for both club and country. His composure in possession and ability to build from the back fit seamlessly into Italy’s tactical identity. For Gattuso, dropping such a player ahead of crucial fixtures would represent a significant sporting gamble.
Italian media suggest the coach has not even entertained serious discussions about omitting the defender, signaling that performance and tactical value outweigh a single controversial episode.
A Defining Month for the Azzurri
The timing of the debate is significant.
Italy face a pivotal World Cup play-off semifinal against Northern Ireland national football team on March 26. The match represents a critical hurdle in the Azzurri’s path back to the global stage.
Should they advance, a final against either Wales national football team or Bosnia and Herzegovina national football team awaits — a high-pressure scenario where defensive stability will be essential.
In such circumstances, experience and cohesion often trump controversy. Bastoni’s familiarity with Italy’s defensive system makes him a likely inclusion if fully fit.
Balancing Emotion and Responsibility
The Derby d’Italia has long been defined by emotion, confrontation, and razor-thin margins. Players frequently walk the disciplinary tightrope, and moments of gamesmanship are not uncommon.
Yet representing the national team carries a different weight. For some critics, Bastoni’s actions crossed a line, particularly given his visible reaction to an opponent’s dismissal.
Gattuso, though, appears focused on maintaining internal stability. Publicly disciplining a key player at a moment when unity is vital could risk unsettling the squad ahead of decisive fixtures.
If Bastoni does feature in March, the spotlight will remain firmly fixed on him — not just for his defensive contributions, but for how he channels competitive fire under heightened scrutiny.
For now, Italy’s message is clear: club controversy will not dictate national selection. As the Azzurri prepare for one of their most important matches in recent years, Gattuso is prioritizing continuity over reaction — trusting that his defender’s performances will speak louder than the noise surrounding him.
