Bastoni: Yamal probably the best player I’ve faced, Inter ‘learned’ from first leg | OneFootball

Inter defender Alessandro Bastoni admits Lamine Yamal may be the best player he’s ever faced in his career and feels the Nerazzurri have learned from mistakes made in the first leg Champions League semifinal against Barcelona.

The Italian defender joined his coach, Simone Inzaghi, for pre-match interviews and a press conference on the eve of a crucial match against Barcelona at San Siro.

The Nerazzurri will host the Catalans in Milan tomorrow after a spectacular 3-3 draw in the first leg last week.

Sky Sport Italia asked Bastoni if Yamal, scorer of one goal against Inter last week, is the best player he’s ever faced in his career.

Bastoni: Yamal probably the best player I’ve faced

BARCELONA, SPAIN – APRIL 30: Yann Sommer of FC Internazionale saves a shot from Lamine Yamal of FC Barcelona during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Semi Final First Leg match between FC Barcelona and FC Internazionale Milano at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on April 30, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

“I think so. I had faced him at the Euros against Spain, and he wasn’t at this level yet. I was impressed by how much he has improved,” the Italian replied.

“I’ve played against many top players, and in terms of age and ability to create something, he’s one of the best, if not the very best.”

Speaking at a pre-match press conference, via TMW, Bastoni added: “We’ll give 200%; we know it doesn’t happen every year. We can’t wait for tomorrow to come.

“We had watched many videos, but playing against them is entirely different. We’ll learn from the first leg; we made several bad passes that could have led to goal-scoring opportunities.”

Lautaro Martinez is expected to partially train with the team today,but remains in doubt for tomorrow’s fixture.

“I’ve always said that we may not be among the top four teams in Europe individually, but we thrive when we play together,” Bastoni said.

“Lauti is a physical and moral leader; we know his importance. These matches always bring tension, but everyone dreams of playing these games. I’m trying to enjoy it.”

Bastoni, Francesco Acerbi and Benjamin Pavard can rely on their experience at the back.

“It’s one way to see it. There is also freshness on their side,” the Italian argued.

“We’ll bring our strengths to the pitch, morally and physically. The first leg gave us a good sense of what Barcelona is about.”

Pavard has won 40 games out of 50 played in the Champions League.

“I hope he can reach 42, which means we’ve won the trophy,” Bastoni noted.

Bastoni appreciates Inter vs Barcelona referee

Match Referee, Szymon Marciniak gestures, as AC Milan players appeal a red card shown to teammate Theo Hernandez, during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Knockout Play-off second leg match between AC Milan and Feyenoord at San Siro Stadium on February 18, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

“He’s definitely been a great signing, as he’s won both the World Cup and the Champions League. I don’t need to describe what a player he is. Hopefully, he’ll be back soon.”

Have Inter prioritised the Champions League over Serie A?

“I’ve never heard the coach tell us not to focus on a league game to win the Champions League,” Bastoni insisted.

“I think a drop-off is normal, and despite everything, we are just three points below the top spot and two games away from winning the Champions League.”

Some Catalan media have said that tomorrow’s referee, Szymon Marciniak, is a Real Madrid sympathiser, even if Inter have only won twice in nine games officiated by the Pole.

“We’ve had him many times, regardless of results. I appreciate him because he’s somebody you can talk to,” Bastoni concluded.