Inter Milan centre-back Alessandro Bastoni, who is reported to be on Tottenham’s radar, has said that he owes a lot of his development to Antonio Conte.
Bastoni emerged as one of the top defenders in the Serie A under Conte, shining in the left-sided centre-back role in the Italian’s system.
It was reported during the summer that the 23-year-old was Spurs’ top centre-back target (Football.London) but the North London club were unable to snap him up and ended up signing Clement Lenglet on loan from Barcelona instead.
However, the Inter star has endured a difficult start to the season, and reports from Italy suggested last month that should the defender fall out with Simone Inzaghi, the Lilywhites could look to swoop for him either in January or next summer (CMW.it).
Bastoni has now expressed his admiration for the Tottenham head coach, admitting that he made a ‘qualitative leap’ under the tutelage of the 53-year-old.
The Inter star told Gazzetta dello Sport on Friday (21/10/22 – as relayed by Sport Witness): “The title came with him, coinciding with his arrival at Inter.
“It is as if I made a qualitative leap. Conte is a driver, a motivator, who makes specific requests to his players trying to transfer a winning mentality. I owe him so much.”
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Bastoni’s current deal runs only until 2024 (Transfermarkt). If he does not sign a new contract with Inter before the summer, he will likely be available for a cut-price fee. Spurs could face a lot of competition for the 23-year-old but the defender’s relationship with Conte could give us an advantage over other suitors.