"These are the kind of games you play for," says Bastoni

APPIANO GENTILE – After beating Salernitana 5-0 in Serie A, Inter now turn their attention to the Europe. The Nerazzurri travel to Anfield to take on Liverpool in the Champions League last-16 return leg on 8 March 2022 at 21:00 CET. Alessandro Bastoni gave his perspective ahead of the game. 

What would you change from the performance in the first leg?

“I would only change the result because I don’t think that it reflected the level of our performance. We were excellent and we put the great Liverpool under pressure. We were punished and it won’t be easy to stage a comeback at Anfield but we’ve studied the mistakes we made in the first leg and we’ll try to attack them on Tuesday.”

Personally, have you ever played against such a powerful attacking trio? Was it your greatest challenge so far? 

“I’ve already played against great players: Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Vinicius Jnr; the best in Europe. Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Diogo Jota are very good but above all we need to put it a great performance with an impeccable team spirit. Playing at certain grounds allows me and other players who might be playing at this level in Europe for the first time to grow as individuals and be even stronger.”

How do you prepare a game defensively against one of the most potent strike forces in the world? 

“You always analyse the style of the team you’re playing against. Liverpool are good in many sectors of the game. Instead of focusing on individuals, we need to work hard as a team to stop them playing to their strengths. We’ll try and stop them as a unit.” 

Has becoming a father given you renewed energy also in your career?

“It’s a very different kind of feeling to the one you have on a football pitch. Certainly, having a family at home makes you calm and grounded, it makes everything easier, so it does help me a lot.” 

Do you have time to appreciate this moment? You’re on the eve of playing in one of the greatest stadiums in the world, at Anfield.

“To play at Anfield will be an unbelievable feeling. This summer when I played at Wembley, I was able to see the passion in English stadiums. It’s an important step personally and for the team to understand what it’s like to play at the top level.”

Has your 5-0 win over Salernitana put an end to a mini crisis after the derby and the match against Genoa?

“The victory didn’t put an end to the crisis because there wasn’t any crisis. We were always confident in each other and what we are capable of doing. We are a solid group and there aren’t any rotten apples in our mix; that’s what matters the most. That 5-0 victory is proof of the kind of team we are and the trust we have in each other.”  

Against such a speedy attack will you have to be even more on your guard? 

“We need to be careful because they are excellent players, some of the best in Europe, but if you're scared or if you can’t get up for these kinds of games, then you’re in the wrong job. I can’t wait to get out there.” 

How has Robin Gosens settled in?

“We had a good relationship at Atalanta and we’ve always kept in touch over the years. I have many friends there, so I often go back to Bergamo. He’s coming back from a serious injury so he needs time to get back to his best level but he knows that he’s come to a top club. He’s very happy and satisfied to be here and we hope to have him at his best as soon as possible.”