Minister for Sport: ‘Bastoni admitted his mistake’ and should play for Italy

Minister for Sport Andrea Abodi insists calls for Inter defender Alessandro Bastoni to be dropped by the Italy squad over his simulation against Juventus are unfair because ‘he admitted to his mistake.’

The centre-back caused controversy when he simulated a foul from Juve opponent Pierre Kalulu during their Serie A match, getting him sent off with a second yellow card.

Bastoni then celebrated wildly when the referee pulled out the card, knowing that VAR protocol meant the decision could not be overturned.