Post - match comments from Salzburg. Bastoni: "Proud to wear the captain's armband"

“It was an honour to wear the captain’s armband; so many champions have done so. We’re such a great group that anyone could wear it, and I’d like to thank Lautaro and Barella for handing it over today. It was all about winning and progressing to the knockouts this evening. We’d already faced Salzburg, who are young, do a lot of running and caused us problems, but we’ve managed to come away with three important points. We did well to manage the match. Games are also won in the closing stages, something we’ve already shown this year. The players who have been here the longest explained to all the newcomers what it means to play for Inter. We want to grow, impress and do well. After the international break, we’ll have to face Juventus, Benfica and Napoli. This qualification for the knockouts will bring a sense of calm on a mental level, but topping the group is important.”

“I’m disappointed with the yellow. Perhaps the excitement got to me, but it’s a dream to have made my Champions League debut and play from the first minute. I’m happy with the win. I want to continue to work hard and make myself available to the Coach, and I really am grateful for the opportunity I had. I’m ready, even if I haven’t played a lot so far. I need to get more minutes into my legs, but, along with my teammates and the Coach, I’ll be prepared for the next game. I’ve played for smaller teams before, and it’s only normal for nerves to kick in when you’re at such an important club. However, all my teammates are really helping me on both a technical and tactical level, and Milano is a fantastic city.”

“It was a complicated game today, and it was important to win and qualify for the knockouts. It’s difficult to say what our secret is, but maybe it’s playing well and being great defensively. We had a few chances and then managed to score. A goalkeeper needs to remain focused throughout the match. I have a great defence to help me, but I have to try and stop others being in with a chance of scoring. ”

“This season, I feel like I’ve improved in a lot of respects. This is thanks to the lads, who help me during every training session. We picked up a fantastic win this evening. It was a vital game to stop them getting back in the running. They’re strong, young and run a lot, and the crowd pushed them on for the entire match. However, I’d like to thank our fans for their great support.”