Nesta: ‘I was worried by Italy, but super Bastoni has my backing’

Italy legend Alessandro Nesta gives his prediction for the World Cup play-off final against Bosnia, and stands with Alessandro Bastoni. ‘I simulated many times in my career.’

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The Azzurri took over 55 minutes to break Northern Ireland down in Bergamo during last night’s World Cup play-off semi-final.

They eventually ran out 2-0 winners thanks to goals from Sandro Tonali and Moise Kean, setting up the final showdown with Bosnia and Herzegovina on Tuesday evening in Zenica.

Nesta anxious as an Italy supporter

“I too got worried in the first half,” confessed Nesta on Sky Sport Italia.

“If the real qualities of the teams emerge, then it’s not even close for any of the teams involved in the play-offs, but the pressure of wearing the Italy jersey is different to representing Northern Ireland or Bosnia.

“The first half performance was down to the visible tension that the Azzurri were dealing with.”

Due to the draw, the play-off final will be played with Bosnia and Herzegovina as the hosts in a fiery atmosphere.

“We must be well aware that it’s going to be a lot tougher in Bosnia, both because we are away from home in front of their passionate fans, but also as Bosnia are a better team than Northern Ireland, who frankly didn’t impress me much.”

There were some doubts ahead of the semi-final that fans might continue jeering Bastoni, who has been targeted for insults since he confessed to simulation when getting Juventus player Pierre Kalulu sent off against Inter.

A few had also called for Bastoni to be frozen out of the Italy squad as punishment for this unsporting behaviour, but Nesta is having none of it.

“I have to congratulate Bastoni, because they really piled on him about that simulation, and despite not being at his best yesterday due to an injury, he played a great game.

“I always had a reputation for being a fair player, but I too simulated many times in my career. I’ll never lecture Bastoni on morality, he’s super in my eyes.

“Admittedly, he is less able to make the most of his attacking characteristics when playing centrally in a back three.”