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Chivu Defends Bastoni, Says Inter Face 'Media Trial' as Title Race Tightens

The coach urges focus on performance with Inter six points clear.

Soccer Football - Serie A - AC Milan v Inter Milan - San Siro, Milan, Italy - March 8, 2026 Inter Milan coach Cristian Chivu during the match REUTERS/Daniele Mascolo
Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup - UEFA Qualifiers - Finals - Bosnia and Herzegovina v Italy - Bilino Polje Stadium, Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina - March 31, 2026 Italy's Alessandro Bastoni is shown a red card by referee Clement Turpin REUTERS/Amel Emric

Overview

  • Chivu, speaking Saturday before InterRoma, backed Alessandro Bastoni and praised him for playing for Italy days after using crutches, even as his last‑man foul preceded a penalty shootout loss to Bosnia.
  • He said Inter have faced a 'trial by media' since February’s win over Juventus, arguing that outrage spikes only when decisions favor his team.
  • The coach rejected talk of referee or VAR bias and said his job is to prepare the best XI, urging players and fans to ignore those distractions.
  • Inter remain top of Serie A by six points after a derby defeat to Milan and draws with Atalanta and Fiorentina narrowed their lead with eight matches to play.
  • He also highlighted 20‑year‑old Pio Esposito’s choice to take Italy’s first penalty as an example of responsibility he wants to see in the run‑in.