Chivu: Bastoni to be Assessed by Italy Doctors Ahead of World Cup Play-off
Inter coach Cristian Chivu has confirmed that defender Alessandro Bastoni will miss tomorrow's Serie A match against Fiorentina. However, Bastoni "will be assessed" by Italy's national team doctors ahead of next week's crucial World Cup play-off semi-final.
The Inter star will not be available for Sunday's Serie A clash against Fiorentina at the Stadio Artemio Franchi. Bastoni had already missed last week's home game against Atalanta due to a fibula injury sustained two weeks prior in a match against Milan.
Chivu confirmed Bastoni's absence during a pre-match press conference on Saturday, but indicated that the Italian player would still join the national squad. "The guys currently represent Inter, and I hope they will have two important matches for Italy. Right now, our players are focused on Inter and contributing to our league campaign," Chivu stated.
"Those who go to the national team will have the opportunity to prepare for the match in the best way, knowing that Italy is a strong team that can and must win the first game. Bastoni is not called up for tomorrow; he will be assessed by the national team because he will report there, and they will make a decision based on how he feels on those days."
In addition to Bastoni, other Inter players included in the Azzurri squad are Nicolò Barella, Federico Dimarco, Davide Frattesi, and Francesco Pio Esposito.
The Italy national team will commence preparations for the World Cup play-offs in Coverciano on Monday. The semi-final against Northern Ireland is scheduled for March 26 in Bergamo. Should the Azzurri advance to the final, they will face either Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina away from home.
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