Bastoni: Why Inter should not substitute Italy international late on | OneFootball

A damning statistic shows why Simone Inzaghi should think twice before substituting Italy international Alessandro Bastoni during big matches, as the Nerazzurri have an increasing tendency to concede when he has been taken off.

Inter were held to a 1-1 draw by second-placed Napoli on Sunday evening after a Federico Dimarco free-kick stunner and an 87th minute equaliser from Philip Billing.

The Scudetto race remains exactly as it was at the start of the weekend: Three teams sit within three points of each other, with Inter out on top on 58 points, Napoli in second on 57 and Atalanta in third on 55.

Bastoni played until the 80th minute before being replaced by Stefan De Vrij. The Nerazzurri would go on to concede seven minutes later.

epa11933177 Napoli’s midfielder Philip Billing scores a goal during the Italian Serie A soccer match SSC Napoli vs Inter FC at Diego Armando Maradona stadium in Naples, Italy, 01 March 2025. EPA-EFE/CIRO FUSCO

Why Inter should not replace Bastoni in big games

Including the 1-1 draw with Napoli on Sunday, Inter have now conceded six times this Serie A season in games where Bastoni has been taken off.

Here is the breakdown of goals the Nerazzurri have conceded when the 25-year-old has come off.