Bastoni slams short break between Italy matches and Inter season opener

Alessandro Bastoni criticized the insufficient break between the Euros and Copa America and the start of the Serie A season.

Chirag

August 18, 2024

Alessandro Bastoni On Fixtures — Nicolò Campo/LightRocket via Getty Images

Inter and Italy defender Alessandro Bastoni has expressed frustration over the insufficient break between the Euros and Copa America this summer and the start of the Serie A season. He criticized the lack of a meaningful rest period before the new campaign kicks off this weekend.

Speaking at a press conference after Inter’s 2-2 draw with Genoa on Saturday, Bastoni highlighted the challenges faced by players due to the tight schedule. Inter’s draw came despite leading with just minutes remaining, with Marcus Thuram scoring both goals for the team.

Bastoni conveyed that the 20-day break was inadequate for proper rest and recovery, both physically and mentally, before diving into the 2024-25 season. “It’s never-ending when the seasons are so close together,” he remarked, “those of us who went off with national teams have physical and mental strains. It can happen that you lose a bit of clarity in the first game, but what is important is staying united.”

When asked about Inter’s struggles away at Genoa—where they have failed to win in five seasons—Bastoni attributed it to the challenging opposition and passionate home crowd. “These are difficult matches, because the crowd here plays a massive role. And Genoa is a tough team with lots of quality players. Even last year, despite having an unbelievable season, we came here and drew. I don’t have an exact explanation for this.”

On the subject of the demanding schedule, Bastoni admitted that football now feels like an endless cycle. “Obviously we have to adapt to an increasingly busy schedule, and twenty days of rest is definitely not a ‘real’ holiday. In terms of mentality, managing so many matches is tough, especially with a schedule that seems never-ending. But we are here to play and we will give our best in every match.”