Alessandro Bastoni, the complete defender: Inter Milan’s creative wall

Four assists, one goal, and a 15% goal participation rate — Alessandro Bastoni is redefining what it means to be a defender at Inter Milan

The incredible numbers of the Inter Milan defender this season: 4 assists, an unusually high goal participation rate for a defender (15%), and one goal. 

These are the astonishing stats of Alessandro Bastoni — calling him just a defender no longer does him justice.

The assist for Lautaro against Lazio made him the central defender with the most successful assists this season across Europe’s top five leagues. “No one like him,” wrote La Gazzetta dello Sport via Fcinter1908. 

From Conte to Inzaghi to Chivu, no coach can do without Bastoni — he’s indispensable, a cornerstone of Inter Milan.

“Bastoni has evolved. Chivu’s ideas have turned him into a presser as well.” Inter Milan’s lead against Lazio was born that way. 

The outside-foot goal — the fourth in the league, eighth of the season — started from a recovery by “Basto,” the man with 81 touches. 

Only Çalhanoğlu did better (93). They call him a centre-back, but he’s truly a playmaker. His heatmap against Lazio proves it: the red zone lies mostly beyond the halfway line — a clear picture of his forward-minded game.

“Left Side, Strong Side”: Bastoni and Inter Milan’s power lane

Three assists for Lautaro (Cagliari, Slavia Prague, and Lazio), one for Thuram (Torino). These numbers are only set to grow. 

Most of the goals from Serie A’s best attack — 26 in 11 matches — have come down the left flank. “Left side, strong side,” as Gerry Bertier and Julius Campbell said in Remember the Titans. That motto now echoes through the towers of San Siro.