Alessandro

Career Story

“I play football. I chose this path and am fortunate that this is my job. Therefore, I take to the pitch and try to enjoy myself. I don’t feel pressure, only positive tension. When your stomach aches, it’s the adrenaline that makes this sport unique.” This is what Alessandro Bastoni had to say when he spoke in a 2020 interview for our matchday programme. From these words, you get a sense for his love of the game and hard-working nature. Born on 13 April 1999 in Casalmaggiore, he entered the world of football and progressed through Atalanta’s youth ranks.

His story with Inter began in the summer of 2017, although, after signing a deal with the Nerazzurri, he remained on loan at Atalanta. Another loan spell then followed at Parma.

He made his Inter debut in 2019/20 against Sampdoria in Genoa. From that match on 28 September 2019, he started to establish himself as a first-team regular. At the age of 20, he was a firm fixture in the starting line-up. He would go on to make 33 appearances in all competitions in his first campaign with the Nerazzurri, also scoring twice in Serie A. His first goal came in Lecce, with former club Parma being the other team he bagged against.

The following season, which finished with Inter winning their 19th Scudetto title, he was a vital figure in the side, producing countless extraordinary performances and increasingly becoming a real leader. He made 41 appearances in total and experienced the joy of winning his first major trophy.

He continued to be highly consistent in 2021/22 and 2022/23, playing a vital role in Inter’s run to the Champions League final in Istanbul and the team’s Coppa Italia (x2) and Supercoppa Italiana (x2) triumphs. Finals and trophies won while displaying charisma and extraordinary qualities. These two seasons saw him make 90 appearances across all competitions and score once, against Lazio at San Siro. Constant growth season after season, thanks to which he’s now a true point of reference in the team.

His contribution in attack has increasingly become a lethal weapon. In 2022/23, he provided six assists, including a perfect cross for Barella in the Nerazzurri’s Champions League quarter-final first-leg victory over Benfica, after which he also picked up the MVP award. His fantastic displays resulted in him being included in UEFA’s Champions League Team of the Season.

In four seasons at Inter, the No.95 has scored three goals in 164 appearances. His leadership qualities and constant growth have led to him becoming a regular for Italy, with whom he won the European Championship in 2021.