Bastoni bitter after derby defeat to Milan: “I don’t remember any clear chances for them”

Inter defender Alessandro Bastoni has given a rather bitter verdict after their Derby della Madonnina defeat against AC Milan.

Christian Pulisic netted the only goal of the game in the 54th minute when Alexis Saelemaekers had a shot saved by Yann Sommer straight into his path. Mike Maignan then became the hero as he saved a penalty from Hakan Calhanoglu with just over 15 minutes left, having made other brilliant stops.

The stats suggest that the Nerazzurri could feel a bit hard done by. They had much higher numbers for possession, Expected Goals, shots, shots on target and corners. However, what matters is scoring goals, and Milan did that once while they were unable to take their big chances.

‘Finding answers to defeats like this hurts’

Speaking to La Domenica Sportiva (via SempreMilan), Bastoni was keen to point out just how many chances Inter wasted to get a better result on the night.

How do you analyse a game like that?

“It’s hard to give a clear analysis of this match. I don’t remember any clear chances for them apart from the goal. It’s disappointing. We’ll have to analyse it clearly, even though sometimes finding answers to defeats like this hurts.

“Sometimes you’d rather lose badly so you have clear room for improvement; this time, for me, beyond the individual moments, we played a good match.”

Image: AC Milan

Why are Inter struggling in big games?

“I don’t know. In Naples, there were major lapses in concentration; against Juve and Milan, there’s not much to say. I’d also have to watch it again, because on the pitch, the feelings are sometimes different.

“But it seems to me that at the very least we were on par. Other times we felt vulnerable; this time we were there. We had courage, holding one-on-one against Leao and Pulisic. There wasn’t that feeling that we could concede.

“It’s a wake-up call. Because four defeats are a lot, but I also think defeats need to be analysed. I’d be much more worried if I saw Inter mentally out of the match or lacking character. I don’t see that. As long as we have this mentality and this spirit, I’m sure things will turn out for the better.”