Italian Football

Chivu's Reasoning: Alessandro Bastoni Central Defense Belief

October 22, 2026Carlos Mendoza2 мин

Inter faces Shakhtar in the Youth League's third fixture. Following two losses against Real Madrid and Brugge, the Nerazzurri seek their first win. This victory is crucial for direct progression to the next Champions League phase, avoiding playoffs.

The Anticipated Choice

Coach Cristian Chivu aims for a starting lineup reflecting the team's ambitions. This consideration likely includes deploying defender Alessandro Bastoni in the center of Inter's defense. Manuel Akanji and Carlos Augusto are expected to flank him, on the right and left respectively. Bastoni would be tasked with conveying not just tactical direction but also mental strength, to manage opponent attacks through effective risk management. This approach might finally be implemented by Chivu in his final selection.

English Translation:

Inter is set to host Shakhtar in the match for the third round of the Youth League's League Phase. After two defeats in as many encounters, against Real Madrid and Brugge, the Nerazzurri are looking for their first win in the European competition. A win that is seemingly mandatory if they wish to retain hopes of immediate qualification for the next phase of the Champions League, thus avoiding the formidable playoffs.

The Anticipated Choice

Regarding the starting eleven for the Nerazzurri coach Cristian Chivu, the formation choices will be driven by the desire to field a team with a mentality consistent with his ambitions. The potential deployment of defender Alessandro Bastoni in the center of the Nerazzurri's defense should be understood in this context, with Manuel Akanji and Carlos Augusto expected to play on his sides – respectively, on the right and left within Inter's defensive unit. Bastoni would be asked to convey ideas not only tactically but also in terms of mental awareness, in order to contain the opponents' offensive pushes through an attitude focused on effective risk management. The idea is concrete: it remains to be seen if Chivu will definitively implement it in his final choice.