Inter Milan and Italy defender Alessandro Bastoni is currently under investigation for allegedly soliciting a minor for sexual services. This inquiry is part of a broader investigation by the Milan Public Prosecutor’s Office into a suspected sex ring.
Bastoni has been called to testify before the prosecutors on Friday regarding accusations that he paid for sex with a girl, who was 17 years old at the time, in June 2020.
Since the girl was a minor at that time, engaging in paid sex would be classified as soliciting sex from a child.
“My client is very shaken,” stated Bastoni’s attorney, Salvatore Scuto. “I can firmly deny that he has ever engaged in any paid sexual activity, especially with minors.”
According to Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, the girl has already been interviewed and, while she admitted to spending time at Bastoni’s residence, she denies any sexual relations with him.
This situation marks a troubling period for the 27-year-old Bastoni, who faced a sending-off during Italy’s pivotal World Cup qualifying playoff against Bosnia-Herzegovina. Unfortunately, the Azzurri subsequently lost in a penalty shootout, resulting in their failure to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup.
Bastoni and his family have also been subjected to online abuse following an incident during a match against fierce rival Juventus on February 14, where he appeared to dive to draw a red card against an opponent.