Scandal erupts in Italian derby as fans demand Bastoni's removal from the national team

Defender Alessandro Bastoni has found himself at the center of a major scandal following the Serie A clash between Inter and Juventus (3-2). Some fans and pundits argue that the player should not be called up to the national team due to an incident involving alleged simulation.

The incident occurred in the 42nd minute at San Siro. Bastoni went down after contact with Pierre Kalulu, who was already on a yellow card. The referee showed the Juventus defender a second yellow, leading to an automatic sending-off. Since the episode did not warrant a straight red card, the VAR system was not authorized to intervene and overturn the decision.

After the match, Italian media was flooded with critical reports, and the derby itself was branded as marred by refereeing error. Bastoni himself also came under fire. Debate quickly erupted in the media about the possible consequences for the player at the national team level. Some journalists urged national team coach Gennaro Gattuso and FIGC president Gabriele Gravina to reconsider the defender's status in the Azzurri squad.

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Some fans on social media went even further, insisting that such behavior does not align with the values of the Italian national team and damages the squad's reputation.