Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni has spoken out regarding his involvement in the contentious red card issued to Juventus defender Pierre Kalulu during Saturday’s Derby d’Italia. He has also expressed regret for celebrating the dismissal.
Kalulu received a second yellow card towards the end of the first half after referee Federico La Penna determined that the France international had impeded Bastoni.
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In reaction to the decision, Kalulu appeared visibly shocked as Bastoni celebrated the call.
Inter ultimately triumphed over their rivals with a stoppage-time goal, leading Juventus director of football strategy Giorgio Chiellini and CEO Damien Comolli to fiercely criticize the referee’s ruling, deeming it “unacceptable” and “embarrassing.”
Addressing the matter for the first time at a news conference on Tuesday, ahead of Inter’s Champions League playoff against Bodø/Glimt, Bastoni said, “I felt it was important to share my perspective on what happened on Saturday night. I exaggerated my reaction once I felt the contact with Kalulu in an attempt to draw a foul, but I must apologize for how I celebrated afterward, as it wasn’t a pleasant sight, even if it was a human reaction.”
“I was caught up in the emotion and intensity of such a significant match. I regret how it turned out. I recognize the need to take responsibility, but I believe my character and career should not be questioned.”
“Having played over 300 professional matches, I didn’t anticipate the level of backlash surrounding this incident. I’ve noted much hypocrisy and heard comments that simply don’t add up. I appreciate those who have offered fair criticism, acknowledging my error without condemning my character.”
The Italian international also disclosed that he has received death threats in light of the uproar following Saturday’s event.
“Personally, it hasn’t affected me much—we’re accustomed to this type of media attention, so I can manage it,” he explained. “However, I feel more concern for my wife and daughter, who is too young to understand.”
“Receiving death threats is completely unacceptable. I empathize with her and also with referee La Penna, who faced similar hostility—no one should have to endure that.”
Following Saturday’s victory, Inter sits eight points clear at the top of Serie A, although their nearest challengers, AC Milan, have a match in hand. As Inter prepares for a pivotal Champions League tie, coach Christian Chivu stressed the importance of moving past Saturday’s events.
“Football has been like this for over a century; there are always controversial incidents both for and against teams. We must refrain from constant complaining and moralizing with every incident, just like we did with Maradona’s infamous handball,” he remarked.
“We too suffered an injustice in Naples, and I’m mentioning this for the first time today—yet no one was scandalized or criticized it like they are now.”
“So we move forward, recognizing the long road ahead in the season, striving to maintain our competitiveness while building on the positive achievements we’ve made, and not forgetting how we were portrayed at the start of the season and the determination this group has demonstrated.”