Francesco Colonnese offered his verdict on the notorious Derby d’Italia incident at San Siro featuring Inter Milan star Alessandro Bastoni.
Speaking to RAI 2 via FCInterNews, the former Nerazzurri fullback admitted that the Italian defender tricked the whole stadium.
Saturday’s edition of the famous Derby d’Italia produced a highly controversial moment toward the end of the first half.
Indeed, Alessandro Bastoni simulated a foul to get referee Federico La Penna show Juventus star Pierre Kalulu a second yellow card.
Though the Frenchman never touched the Nerazzurri center-back, Bastoni threw himself to the ground.
Meanwhile, La Penna’s position didn’t allow him to see the situation with clarity, so he had no choice but to send off Kalulu.
As for Bastoni, he took the risk of diving despite being on a yellow card himself.
Aware of that, Cristian Chivu took off his defensive cornerstone at halftime as a precaution.
Francesco Colonnese Offers Verdict on Alessandro Bastoni Derby Dive at San Siro
VERONA, ITALY – NOVEMBER 02: Alessandro Bastoni of FC Internazionale celebrates during the Serie A match between Hellas Verona FC and FC Internazionale at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on November 02, 2025 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
“I was at the stadium to watch the game,” Colonnese said. “And believe me, not a single one of us had the feeling that Bastoni dove.
“Anyone who has played football knows this.
“I don’t want to defend or justify La Penna’s decision, but anyone who has played this sport knows you change on the pitch.
“I am shutting up, but so now in 1998 nothing happened? We have to accept everything that happened?”
Cameras caught Bastoni celebrating Kalulu’s expulsion, which antagonized Juventus fans and chiefs alike.
Therefore, Giorgio Chiellini went to confront La Penna in the tunnel.
Meanwhile, Bastoni had received numerous insults and even death threats before turning off comments on his social media profiles.
However, the 26-year-old is likely to return to the starting lineup in Wednesday’s clash against Bodo/Glimt.
Indeed, the Nerazzurri will take on the Norwegian champions in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League knockout playoff tie tomorrow.