Bastoni: ‘Lamine Yamal is incredible, Inter never give up’

Was it as enjoyable to play in as it was to watch?

“We had fun out there too,” assured Bastoni on Amazon Prime Video Italia and Sky Sport Italia.

“Barcelona are such a strong team with remarkable players, it’s always good to measure yourself up against teams like this. After all, it is a Champions League semi-final. There were chances at both ends.”

Inter stunned by Lamine Yamal talent

Lamine Yamal was torturing Inter’s defence, especially in the first half, and the 17-year-old also hit the frame of the goal twice.

“He’s an incredible player, you have to hold your hand up and admit it,” confessed Bastoni.

“Yamal is perhaps the best winger in the world right now. At his age too, only 17, we give credit to the player and the incredible work they did with him at La Masia.”

Not much was expected of Inter here considering they were coming off three consecutive defeats in all competition, but they took the game to Barcelona.

“It wasn’t easy after the last week we had, but we proved that Inter are here and we will not give up,” added Bastoni.

The second leg will be at San Siro on Tuesday May 6, so Inter have home advantage for the showdown.

“I think this was my 57^th game of the season. Now the second leg is 50-50, we basically start from 0-0, so whoever wins goes into the Final. We must have the same spirit and determination that we did today.”

Bastoni was laughing and joking with Barcelona goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny after the final whistle, so what did he say to the former Juventus star?

“I can’t say! I congratulated him for the choice that he made, changing his mind to stay a little longer in this wonderful sport.”

Szczesny had announced his retirement last summer when Juventus decided he would no longer be in the squad and he wasn’t prepared to move to Saudi Arabia, but was called back out when Marc-Andre ter Stegen suffered a serious knee injury.