Bergomi taunts Inter’s rivals, warns Barcelona over Bastoni’s price
Inter legend Beppe Bergomi insists Milan, Juventus and Napoli can’t settle for a mere top-four finish next season and warns Barcelona about Alessandro Bastoni’s price tag: ‘He has great value…’
Inter and Italy legend Bergomi examined the Nerazzurri’s title-winning campaign in an interview with Repubblica, where he also discussed the improvements that Cristian Chivu’s team will need for 2026-27.
Chivu has won the Scudetto in his first full Serie A season as a coach, and Bergomi had no doubts about the former defender’s quality in the dugout.
“I knew he’d do well. Roberto Samaden, who had long been in charge of the youth sector, told me that Cristian could win his players’ hearts, and he did,” he said.
Bergomi went on to name the key Inter player this term.
“Lautaro. He’s the top scorer despite playing fewer games than in the past,” he said.
“He has amazing quality and leadership skills. Zielinski and Dimarco are just one step behind.”
Bergomi feels the Nerazzurri’s target for next season is already set, but he also sent a warning to the other contenders.
“Win the league again, and it is not only true for Inter,” he claimed.
“Milan, Napoli and Juve can’t just say ‘we aim for a Champions League spot.’ It’s not fair towards the fans. The Champions League is an opportunity, but it is complex. With the new formula, if you don’t finish [the league phase] in the top eight, it gets very tough.”
According to recent reports, the Nerazzurri will have a minimum budget of €40-50m to strengthen the team, a sum that could be increased through some sales.
“I’d like a physically strong central midfielder, like Koné, Rabiot or Khephren Thuram, and a dribbler, like Nico Paz,” Bergomi said.
“It will be hard to sign him from Real Madrid, but that’s the type of player [Inter need].
“Inter have been without Calhanoglu, Dumfries, and Lautaro for many games,” continued the ex-defender.
“Bastoni too. In addition to injuries, he was subjected to unjustified public shaming. He made a mistake, but he took responsibility for it.”
Inter President Marotta has already confirmed Barcelona’s interest in Bastoni. Should the Serie A champions really sell the Italian centre-back?
“It depends on the offers,” concluded Bergomi.
“He has great value; you can’t just sell him off cheaply. I see him doing well in Spain and in the Premier League.”