Minister for Sport Andrea Abodi insists requires Inter defender Alessandro Bastoni to be dropped by the Italy squad over his simulation towards Juventus are unfair as a result of ‘he admitted to his mistake.’
The centre-back induced controversy when he simulated a foul from Juve opponent Pierre Kalulu throughout their Serie A match, getting him despatched off with a second yellow card.
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Bastoni then celebrated wildly when the referee pulled out the cardboard, realizing that VAR protocol meant the choice couldn’t be overturned.
Though he , Kalulu was nonetheless compelled to take a seat out a one-match ban, and Bastoni has
Bastoni confronted requires Italy snub
BARI, ITALY – AUGUST 16: Alessandro Bastoni of Inter throughout Pre-Season Pleasant match between FC Internazionale and Olympiacos FC at Stadio San Nicola on August 16, 2025 in Bari, Italy. (Photograph by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Pictures)
Minister for Sport and Youth Abodi was pressed at this time on whether or not it was proper to recommend Bastoni be dropped from the Italy squad over this incident.
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“I consider you’re referred to as up not simply in your technical qualities as a participant, but in addition your behaviour,”
“Bastoni was clear-headed sufficient to confess to his mistake.”
As for the jeers from the followers, Abodi additionally identified that “respect is supreme in sport, and everybody does what they see is match.”
Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso has not commented publicly on the scenario, but it surely appears unlikely that he’ll snub the Inter defender for the upcoming 2026 World Cup play-offs towards Northern Eire.
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 02: Alessandro Bastoni of FC Internazionale warms up previous to the Coppa Italia Semi Last match between AC Milan and FC Internazionale at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on April 02, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photograph by Marco Luzzani/Getty Pictures)
If there’s a victory in Bergamo on March 26, then the Azzurri will play both Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina within the play-off remaining 5 days later.