“He was on crutches and 3 days later he played for Italy, I don't know if he will stay”

The central theme of the press conference was defender Alessandro Bastoni – both because of his red card in Italy's ill-fated 2026 World Cup tie with Bosnia and because of rumors of a move for the player to Barcelona. Chivu also spoke about the other players he had in Italy's place and is not worried about his students' morale ahead of the Roma game.

Cristi Chivu spoke about Alessandro Bastoni before Inter – Roma: “He tried to fulfill the dream of the Italians”

“We have always taken responsibility, I'm talking specifically about Bastoni, who left our base on crutches, and just 3 days later he was playing for Italy. These players always take responsibility, but in this world there is little gratitude. What matters is the respect of your teammates, the work, who you are as a person. Ale (Bastoni) is disappointed by what happened, but he is happy with the support of his teammates in the team national and from Inter.

He entered the field with what he had at his disposal to represent an entire country. He tried to fulfill the dream of the Italians and despite his physical condition, he was available to play. And that for me, as a sportsman, means a lot. I repeat: Bastoni was on crutches for 10 days and yet he took it upon himself to play“, said Cristi Chivu, according to sportal.bg.

Afterwards, Cristi Chivu spoke about the future of Alessandro Bastoni: “I can't control his future or what he wants to do. I just know that he's extremely happy to be at Inter and to be part of this wonderful group. He's always given 100%, that's what interests me. In fact, as long as he's here, he'll give more than 100% for us. Whether it's for 2 months or 2 years… Otherwise, he knows how to make the right decisions. Whatever he does, world football will always enjoy a class player. I'd be happy if he stayed, but I'd be happy to stay too. These are the uncertainties in the football world for a coach.”

• Alessandro Bastoni is the starter in the defense of Inter. This season he played 35 matches, scored two goals and provided 6 decisive assists. It is quoted by specialized websites at 70 million euros. His contract with Inter expires in the summer of 2028.

We asked Pio Esposito about the penalty against Bosnia. I asked him if he asked to execute it and his answer was enough. He said yes to me: he had the courage to take responsibility. He will miss more penalties, but it is a good sign for Pio and for Italy that he has taken on this responsibility.

But the fault that Italy did not qualify is not only the players from Inter. For us, the five internationals summoned are a source of pride. Disappointments are part of the game and I'm not worried, they've shown they know how to react

–Cristi Chivuat the press conference preceding the match with AS Roma

I am saving my energy to choose the best formula. Imagine me starting to think about the referee, the VAR. It's not my business. If we think about anything else, we will start seeing ghosts. I rely only on common sense… Otherwise, I see, hear and listen to things that have nothing to do with the values ​​of the sport that I profess.

I have not seen the media lynching after the match with Juve in other similar episodes. When there are decisions against Inter, nothing is said. Explain to me why. Whoever is first in Italy is always the worst

–Cristi Chivu

Ranking in Serie A