Inter Milan manager Cristian Chivu has revealed defender Alessandro Bastoni has been playing through a significant hand injury for the past two months. The news came during a press conference previewing Inter's Serie A clash with Torino, where Chivu also hinted at a potential summer move for Red Star Belgrade midfielder Aleksandar Stankovic, the son of Inter legend Dejan Stankovic.
Chivu disclosed that Bastoni suffered a triple fracture in his hand but continued to play with a protective cast. "He grits his teeth and is doing athletic conditioning work," Chivu said, according to reports from the press conference. "He played many games with the cast. Now he is well and is back at full capacity; he is no longer conditioned by it." The 25-year-old Italian international is a cornerstone of Inter's defense, which holds the best defensive record in Serie A this season.
The Inter boss also shifted focus to the summer transfer window when asked about Aleksandar Stankovic. "We are already looking ahead, starting to talk about the market," Chivu stated. "He is a player we are following with attention and we know all the good he has done. I know him very well since he was 4 or 5 years old; he is almost like a son to me. We will certainly think about him during the market phase." The 19-year-old Serbian midfielder, currently on loan at Red Star from Fiorentina, has impressed in the Serbian SuperLiga.
Chivu's comments come with Inter on the verge of securing their 21st Scudetto, holding a commanding lead at the top of the table following a run of three wins and two draws in their last five league matches. The team also recently secured a place in the Coppa Italia final, where they will face Lazio on May 13th. This dominant domestic campaign provides a stable foundation from which to plan for next season.
The potential pursuit of Stankovic represents a blend of strategic planning and sentimental connection for the club. Bringing in a highly-rated young talent who is also deeply connected to the club's history would be a popular move with fans. For Stankovic, a switch to the reigning Italian champions and a club where his father is revered would be a major step in his career development.
Elsewhere, Chivu provided positive updates on the fitness of striker Lautaro Martinez and goalkeeper Yann Sommer, suggesting both are nearing returns to full training. With the title all but secured, Inter's immediate focus remains on the pitch, but Chivu's remarks confirm that the club's hierarchy is already laying the groundwork for the summer market to build upon this season's successes.
