Bastoni: ‘Roma devoured Inter before mental switch’ | OneFootball

Alessandro Bastoni reveals his goal celebration was in honour of Steph Curry, but admits Roma ‘devoured’ Inter before their change of mentality.

It was perhaps the toughest match the Nerazzurri have faced so far this season, as they were trailing 2-1 at the break to Gianluca Mancini and Stephan El Shaarawy goals after an initial Francesco Acerbi header.

However, Marcus Thuram scored one, forced an Angeliño own goal and in stoppages Bastoni completed the counter-attack for the final 4-2 result.

“The first half was awful, we just weren’t ourselves, we came on with the wrong attitude and Roma ate us up. The coach told us at half-time we just had to be ourselves, and that is what we did after the break,” Bastoni told DAZN.

“More than tactics, I think you win games with your mentality and approach. Roma were stronger than us and more aggressive in the first half, they devoured us, but we switched on in the second.”

It was a rare goal for Bastoni and his celebration referenced his hero in a very different sport.

“I had not scored in a very long time, so I am happy with that. I love NBA and Steph Curry is an inspiration, so I wanted to do that celebration.”

This is the best way for Inter to prepare for the Champions League Round of 16 clash with Atletico Madrid, beating Juventus and Roma back-to-back.

“It is a fundamental victory, it gives you adrenaline for the rest of the week. We are fired up, we know what it means to go all the way in the Champions League and know how much it hurt to fall at the final hurdle.

“We want to go all the way again, this time with a different final result.”

It means Inter are now seven points clear at the top of the table, having played as many games as second-placed Juventus.