Bastoni: ‘I am in debt with the Italian people, we hit rock bottom’

BURSA, TURKEY - SEPTEMBER 28: Alessandro Bastoni of Italy celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammates during the UEFA Nations League 2026/27 group phase match between Türkiye and Italy at Atatürk Spor Kompleksi Matli Stadyumu on September 28, 2026 in Bursa, Turkey. (Photo by Ahmad Mora/Getty Images)

Alessandro Bastoni admits he feels ‘in debt to the Italian people’ after the World Cup play-off red card, but hopes his goal against Turkiye can get them off ‘rock bottom.’

The Azzurri made eight changes from the side that lost 2-0 to Belgium on Friday, yet even that does not reflect the vast difference seen between these two performances.

They ran out 4-1 winners in Turkiye with goals from Bastoni in his first international game since the red card in the World Cup play-off with Bosnia and Herzegovina, Frattesi, Kayode and Francesco Pio Esposito.

Check the Football Italia Player Ratings for Turkiye 1-4 Italy

The Inter defender had been suspended for the first game of this group with Belgium, so it was an emotional moment to open the scoring in Bursa.

Bastoni emotional goal for Italy

“It was inevitable that my mind would go back to Zenica,” confessed Bastoni to RAI Sport, referring to that World Cup play-off heartbreak.

“I will be in debt to the Italian people for the next four years. When faced with difficult situations, I have always chosen to emerge with head held high and take my responsibility.

“We hit rock bottom in recent years, but we want to get back on our feet. All we ask for is some balance and patience in judging this side, as there are many young players who want to learn.”

Several senior players including Sandro Tonali and Giovanni Di Lorenzo came out to warn that they should not ‘tear apart’ the team after just one game.

“I think it’s an attitude matter, because it’s not easy in Italy to live with social media, when you get all sorts of things said to you,” added Bastoni.

“This is why I ask for the fans to blame those of us who are older and have broader shoulders than the younger players.”

Now Italy are right back in the Nations League running, catching Belgium on three points and will face leaders France in Paris on Friday.

“We are still overall a young team, we have quality and we want to prove what we can do,” concluded Bastoni.

“We mustn’t get too over-excited now, we had some peaks last year too and then saw what happened. It is at least good to feel happy every now and then.”