Bastoni: ‘Italy feel strong’ after Nations League success | OneFootball

Alessandro Bastoni is happy to take on the mantle of the Italy defence and confirms they ‘feel strong’ after back-to-back Nations League victories.

The Azzurri are flying in the Nations League, topping Group A2 with six points after their 3-1 win in France and 2-1 victory over Israel.

Les Bleus beat Belgium 2-0 this evening, so they go into joint second place on three points apiece.

“It was very important to follow up the win over France, which boosted our confidence so much and made us feel strong,” Bastoni told RAI Sport.

“We want to continue like this and leave the embarrassment of the Euros behind us.”

The Azzurri were determined to prove what they can do after a disastrous European Championship result, crashing out in the Round of 16 against Switzerland with a soulless performance.

“The tournament was a real shock, we had the approach and mentality all wrong. We are the ones on the pitch, so we have to take responsibility, but we are trying to put it all behind us and start fresh.”

Bastoni veteran of this Italy defence

With Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini hanging up their boosts, Bastoni has become the grand old man of the Italy defence.

“I have worked very hard and spent a long time in the Nazionale, so I am happy to have learned from Giorgio and Leo,” smiled Bastoni.

With Riccardo Calafiori injured this evening, it was Bastoni who took over the role of playmaker in the back three, which meant he often had to push up and act as almost an additional midfielder when in possession.

It is different to the version of attacking he has at Inter, when he tends to come up down the left flank and combine with Federico Dimarco, as this was more central.