Alessandro Bastoni Under Fire: Fans React to Italy's World Cup Play-off Exit and Derby Debacle

Inter and Italy defender Alessandro Bastoni has endured a challenging period, drawing significant criticism following his contentious actions in February's Derby d'Italia and his subsequent role in Italy's elimination from the World Cup play-off final against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Why is Bastoni a divisive figure in Italian football?

Bastoni's controversial status in Italian football largely stems from the fiery Derby d'Italia on February 14, where Inter triumphed 3-2 over Juventus. Already booked in the first half, Bastoni controversially dived under a challenge from Pierre Kalulu, leading to Kalulu's wrongful dismissal for a second yellow card. Many argued Bastoni himself should have received a yellow for simulation, which would have meant his own expulsion. His enthusiastic celebration of Kalulu's red card further fueled outrage among fans nationwide, not just in Turin.

Following this incident, Bastoni has been met with hostile reactions at various Italian grounds. A significant portion of the Italy fan base even called for his exclusion from Gennaro Gattuso’s squad for the recent World Cup play-off campaign.

Despite the public outcry, Bastoni retained his position in the squad, featuring in the center of Gattuso's three-man defense for both the semi-final victory against Northern Ireland and the play-off final against Bosnia and Herzegovina on Tuesday. His performance against Bosnia, however, led to further criticism after he received a first-half red card.

The red card incident occurred after a poor goal kick from Gianluigi Donnarumma was headed back into Italy’s half. With Amar Memic bearing down on goal, Bastoni, as the deepest Italian defender, made a reckless lunge from behind, resulting in a straight red card in the 42nd minute. Italy had been leading 1-0 at the time and appeared poised to maintain their narrow advantage until Bastoni's dismissal.

Reduced to ten men, Italy managed to hold their lead until the 79th minute before conceding. They commendably weathered the pressure during extra time but ultimately crashed out of the World Cup qualification cycle after two early penalty misses in the shootout by Pio Esposito and Bryan Cristante.

How have Italy fans responded to Bastoni’s red card?

Unsurprisingly, Bastoni's red card in the play-off final provoked widespread negative reactions among Italy fans. Many cited "karma" in reference to the Derby d’Italia incident, while others questioned the defender's judgment, arguing that Memic was not guaranteed to score past Donnarumma.

One commenter on X (formerly Twitter) remarked,

Bastoni should have had more trust in Donnarumma and let the striker through. Cost his country a huge upset.

Another added,

He still had so much work to do to score as well. Total headloss from Bastoni.

Much of the online discourse has centered on the reception Bastoni might face upon his return to Italy. With reports linking the Inter center-back to a summer move to Barcelona, many suggest it would be prudent for him to seek a transfer away from Italy during the upcoming window.

One tweet read:

Honestly, if you’re Bastoni how do you even go back to Italy after this? He was already getting booed all over Serie A before this.

Another concurred:

If the Azzurri don’t get to the World Cup, I really can’t see Bastoni staying in Italy – it would be absolutely terrible for him.

A third commenter stated,

Bastoni better fly straight to Spain because I don’t think he could step foot in Italy again.

Serie A commentator Patrick Kendrick expressed concern, tweeting,

I hope Italy doesn’t treat Bastoni like England treated Beckham in 1998.

He later mused,

It will be interesting to see how Barella, Bastoni and Dimarco play at home to Roma on Sunday. For what it’s worth I think they’ll be some of the best players on the pitch & credit to them if they are. Ultimately, come that match, they’re damned if they do & damned if they don’t.

However, not all criticism was directed solely at Bastoni. Some fans acknowledged his error but felt he wasn't solely responsible for Italy’s failure to qualify. One supporter wrote,

Apart from Bastoni’s blunder, unfortunately the coach made many mistakes. The squad selections, the formations, the substitutions, the favoritism towards players from so-called big clubs. He only brought in Palestra because he’s a phenomenon.