Italian Journalist Argues Inter Milan Star Gives Italy Similarities To Man City -“Guardiola Influence” | OneFootball

Italian journalist Paolo Condo believes that Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni brings a “Guardiola influence” to Italy.

Condo compared the 25-year-old’s style of play to that of the Manchester City coach in today’s print edition of Rome-based newspaper La Repubblica, via FCInterNews.

Inter defender Bastoni has become a key figure at the back for Italy.

The former Parma and Atalanta defender is now just about the first name on the teamsheet for the Azzurri under Luciano Spalleeti.

Bastoni had started out as a young player in the Italy setup. But now he is a leader at the back, guiding younger players like Riccardo Calafiori and Alessandro Buongiorno.

Bastoni’s defensive attributes are certainly important for Italy, as they are for Inter.

In the last few years, Bastoni has certainly become a more mature defender in his penalty area, and developed leadership and anticipation skills.

But for both club and country, the 25-year-old also has an influence that goes well beyond the defensive phase.

Condo: “Bastoni Brings A Guardiola Influence To Italy”

Bastoni has gained a big reputation for his technical ability and passing range.

The 25-year-old can provide accurate passes in buildup as well as the final third, even occasionally assisting goals.

And Bastoni has become a player who can drive into midfield. And even right up to the opposition penalty area with the ball at his feet.

The Inter defender has really flourished in the 3-5-2 setup at club level.

Under Nerazzurri coach, Bastoni is able to impact matches in attacking midfield or wide attacking areas.

And with Italy, Bastoni has had freedom to do that as well under coach Spalletti.

Italian journalist Condo writes of yesterday’s Nations League match, “The old dream of Guardiola, a team of eleven midfielders, came to mind yesterday.”

He elaborates that “Bastoni was able to come forward to be another midfielder, as Calafiori had.”