Inter Milan Rests Bastoni Against Cagliari Due to Fatigue and Ankle Issue

Inter Milan coach Cristian Chivu has confirmed the exclusion of defender Alessandro Bastoni from the squad for the upcoming match against Cagliari. The decision was made due to the player's physical and mental fatigue, as well as the lingering effects of an ankle injury. This move was mutually agreed upon to prevent any worsening of his condition. Although Bastoni is not currently suffering from an official injury, he is still affected by a severe bruise sustained on March 8, which has impacted his training consistency recently.

The Italian club's coach emphasized the need for caution with the international defender, especially given the late-season fixture congestion and his declining physical levels. Cristian Chivu stated: “His ankle is still not 100% ready, and we have to accept the fact that he has trained little during the month. We are at the end of April, and undergoing comprehensive physical rehabilitation now might not be beneficial. Therefore, we must give him confidence so he feels important to the group, while acknowledging that he is not at his peak performance. For this reason, he will remain out of the squad to fully recover.” Chivu added that the technical staff aims to protect the player from long-term injuries and provide him with sufficient time to regain his balance.

Carlos Augusto is expected to replace Alessandro Bastoni at left-back for the Cagliari clash. The medical staff anticipates Bastoni's return for the Coppa Italia match next Tuesday. The defender was substituted at halftime in the last match against Como due to a drop in performance. Nevertheless, he continued to train normally in recent days before the final decision to rest him was made, ensuring his optimal readiness for the crucial phase of the season.