1-1 – Bastoni urges perspective after Italy draw with France
Inter defender Alessandro Bastoni urged calm in judging Italy after his goal secured a 1-1 draw with France in Paris, stressing that the performance mattered as much as his own response to recent setbacks.
According to Goal’s report of Bastoni’s post-match comments, the centre-back said he was proud of Italy’s collective effort and asked for measured assessments as the team works towards becoming more recognisable on the pitch.
Bastoni’s equaliser cancelled out Michael Olise’s opener and made it two goals in two Nations League matches. His previous strike came in Italy’s 4-1 win over Türkiye, which is also their next listed fixture, on Monday 5 October.
The latest performance comes after Bastoni returned to the national team following a lengthy absence after his red card in the World Cup play-off against Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Inter defender has also faced off-field speculation about leaving Serie A, but he made clear that he had not lost faith in himself and would not let one or two episodes define a career spanning more than 300 games.
Bastoni’s goal brings a message of perspective
His first concern after scoring, Bastoni explained, was that Italy did not concede again and make the equaliser count for little. That focus reflected the wider challenge in Paris: staying disciplined against elite opposition after finding a way back into the match.
He also said Italy had believed in the possibility of victory from the outset and had created its clearest chances in the first half. The draw, in his view, should give the squad confidence and awareness of what it can produce, rather than become a reason for premature celebration or harsh judgment.
That is a message with relevance beyond the international break for Inter. Bastoni remains an important part of the Nerazzurri defence, as reflected by his continued role at Inter, while the latest Italy display offered a reminder of his capacity to influence a match at both ends.
Italy’s next test against Türkiye on Monday 5 October will show whether the team can carry its Paris performance forward. Bastoni cautioned against taking that assignment for granted, even as he viewed the display against France as evidence Italy can compete with anyone.
