Legendary former AC Milan defender Alessandro Costacurta was a massive fan of the performance by Inter’s Alessandro Bastoni in Tuesday evening’s Champions League win over Benfica.
Speaking to Italian broadcaster Sky Sport Italia, via FCInter1908, the Rossoneri icon even made a favourable comparison between Bastoni and legendary former Real Madrid and Nerazzurri fullback Roberto Carlos.
Inter defender Bastoni won widespread plaudits for the quality of his performance against Benfica in Tuesday evening’s Champions League quarterfinal first leg at the Estadio da Luz.
The 24-year-old was even named as UEFA’s man of the match for his outstanding display.
Whilst the defender did stick to his main job well by helping the Nerazzurri to yet another clean sheet in Europe, it was what he offered on the other side of the ball that really caught the eye.
Bastoni was never afraid to step out of defense with the ball, probing and pushing the Aguias back.
Moreover, the 24-year-old passing was outstanding, and in particularly the pinpoint accuracy and weight of his deliveries into the penalty area.
It was from a cross into the box that Bastoni assisted Nicolo Barella’s all-important opening goal at the da Luz.
For his part, Costacurta thought that the Nerazzurri defender’s performance was brilliant, and even was reminded of one of the most proficient crossers in the history of the game in the form of Brazil icon Roberto Carlos.
“Bastoni’s cross was beautiful, Bastoni almost looks like Roberto Carlos out there, but then look at the fact that there are also four Inter players in the area, that makes it easier to score,” Costacurta remarked.
Of the match as a whole, the former Milan defender said that “Even today I heard around Milan that it wasn’t the real Benfica, but I think that if Benfica weren’t at their best it was because Inter put a muzzle on them, we have to applaud Inter who’re always great in the Champions League.”
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