Andrea Ranocchia has insisted that Alessandro Bastoni has “no intention” of leaving Inter Milan this summer despite Barcelona’s genuine interest and a difficult few weeks that have seen the defender fall out of favour with his own fans.
The 26 year old has been the cornerstone of Inter’s defence for nearly a decade, establishing himself as one of the best centre backs in world football. But recent months have been turbulent.
First came the Derby d’Italia against Juventus in February, where Bastoni’s antics earned him notoriety for all the wrong reasons. Then came the lowest point of his international career, a straight red card in a ‘make or break’ World Cup playoff final against… well, against someone who ended Poland’s hopes. The point is, it was bad.
Now, Barcelona are circling. The runaway La Liga leaders have identified Bastoni as their top summer target, hoping to capitalise on his uncertain standing at San Siro.
But Ranocchia, who knows a thing or two about playing at Inter, is not having it.
‘He has a great personality’
Speaking to FCInterNews, the former Nerazzurri defender delivered a passionate defence of his former teammate.
“He has a great personality, and that’s what’s helping him right now, when everything seems to be coming at him,” Ranocchia said.
“I wouldn’t leave Italian football because of this situation, and I don’t think he wants to either. Many others would have crumbled and struggled to even leave the house.”
Those are strong words. And they come with context.
Bastoni has not just been dealing with poor form and fan frustration. According to Ranocchia, the threats have gone further affecting his daughter and wife.
“He lets a lot of things slide, even though the threats have affected his daughter and wife,” Ranocchia added. “These are things that have an impact.”
That a player can still perform at all under such circumstances is remarkable. That he might choose to stay and fight rather than flee to Spain says something about his character.
Barella, Lautaro and the bigger picture
Ranocchia also took time to praise Nicolo Barella, whose massive performance in Inter’s 5-2 win over Roma did not go unnoticed.
“Barella is always told he doesn’t create enough chances, so that goal felt like a release,” he said. “He’s receiving more criticism than he deserves; he’s a player who has been carrying the team for years.”
And on Lautaro Martinez, Ranocchia was typically emphatic.
“You feel it: even when he doesn’t score, his marker struggles. He plays a lot for the team and presses. It’s no coincidence that Lautaro returns and Inter create so much.”
What this means for Barcelona
Barcelona’s interest is real. That much has been reported for weeks. But genuine interest and an actual transfer are two very different things.
Bastoni is under contract. Inter have no need to sell. And if Ranocchia is right, the player himself has no desire to leave.
That leaves Barcelona with two options: walk away, or test Inter’s resolve with an offer so ridiculous they cannot say no.
Given the Catalan club’s well documented financial issues, the former seems more likely than the latter.
The bottom line
Bastoni has had a rough few months. The fans have turned. The red card hurt. The threats to his family are unforgivable.
But he is still at Inter. And according to those who know him best, that is exactly where he wants to stay.
Barcelona can watch all they like. Bastoni is not going anywhere.
