Italy Defender Praises ‘Mental Improvement’ At Inter Milan After 2-2 Draw With Title Rivals Napoli

Alessandro Bastoni acknowledged there are still details to refine at Inter Milan, but insisted the 2-2 draw with Napoli represented a clear step forward from a mental standpoint.

Speaking to DAZN after the match, the Italy international was asked to reflect on Inter’s recent record against direct rivals.

Indeed, admitting there are aspects that need correcting while choosing to focus on the progress shown.

Bastoni explained that “there are some details to put right, but I hold on to the step forward we showed tonight mentally.”

He conceded Inter could have defended better on the goals conceded, but stressed the importance of recognising “the quality of the opponents, who have players of the highest level.”

Inter 2-2 Napoli – Bastoni Happy With First Half Of Season

BARI, ITALY – AUGUST 16: Alessandro Bastoni of Inter during Pre-Season Friendly match between FC Internazionale and Olympiacos FC at Stadio San Nicola on August 16, 2025 in Bari, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)

Bastoni also pointed to the broader context of the season.

Indeed, saying he was pleased with Inter’s first half of the campaign.

He recalled the scepticism surrounding the team at the start of the season.

He added that “it’s not easy to start again every year, and I’ll take this first half of the league.”

Reflecting on Napoli’s equaliser at 2-2, which arrived during Inter’s best spell, Bastoni admitted frustration.

He noted that “we’ll have to analyse what didn’t work from the start of the move.”

He nevertheless described the overall performance as positive against what he called a very strong Napoli side.

Analysing the second goal in more detail, Bastoni praised the visitors’ execution.

He explained it as a move “Conte prepares very well.”

While it could perhaps have been avoided, he added that “otherwise matches would all finish 0-0, credit has to go to them.”

Later, in his press conference, Bastoni reiterated that Napoli were the toughest opponents Inter have faced this season.