Riccardo Trevisani has defended Alessandro Bastoni by arguing that in football, the objective is to outsmart your opponent.
Speaking on the ‘Pressing’ podcast via FCInterNews, the Italian journalist delivered his verdict on Saturday’s incident.
Inter Milan squeaked past Juventus in a controversial Derby d’Italia clash at San Siro at the weekend.
Though Cristian Chivu finally broke his ‘big game’ curse, Pierre Kalulu’s first-half expulsion cast a shadow on his success.
Indeed, Alessandro Bastoni tricked referee Federico La Penna into showing the Frenchman a second yellow card.
Bastoni threw himself to the ground for no good reason, convincing the referee to send Kalulu off.
Despite helping his side win the match, the 26-year-old has faced fierce backlash from the Italian media and fans alike.
However, Trevisani has offered a different view.
Riccardo Trevisani Sees Alessandro Bastoni Derby Incident as Part of Football
MADRID, SPAIN – NOVEMBER 26: Alessandro Bastoni of FC Internazionale Milano runs with the ball during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD5 match between Atletico de Madrid and FC Internazionale Milano at Estadio Metropolitano on November 26, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
“I’m not part of the outrage brigade, because in this game you go onto the pitch to outsmart your opponent,” Trevisani said. “And, if possible, the referee as well.
“That’s the objective of football; let’s not act naïve. No one is completely innocent.
“I’ve seen Pavel Nedved get up and say, ‘Right, right, right…,’ and I don’t recall any scandals back then.”
Despite Trevisani’s rational explanation, Juventus supporters continue to torment Bastoni on social media.
Indeed, the Italian center-back had to turn off comments on his Instagram profile after receiving death threats.
Furthermore, the Nerazzurri stalwart has yet to publicly address the incident.
Meanwhile, the runaway Serie A leaders will stand behind their long-serving defender.
Beppe Marotta already revealed the club’s stance during a press conference earlier today.
Despite everything that has happened over the past 48 hours, Bastoni is likely to start in Wednesday’s game against Bodo/Glimt.
Given the importance of the occasion, Chivu cannot afford to leave his defensive cornerstone out of the squad.