Bastoni jokes he is ‘the last person’ to ask about facing Dembele

Alessandro Bastoni joked that he was the wrong person to ask about how Italy should deal with France forward Ousmane Dembele, recalling Inter’s 5-0 defeat by Paris Saint-Germain in the 2025 Champions League final.

Dembele helped create two goals in that final, while Inter suffered a heavy loss to Paris Saint-Germain. Bastoni was asked about the France player ahead of Italy’s meeting with France in the third round of the UEFA Nations League group stage.

“Ousmane Dembele? You may have seen what happened the last time I faced him,” Bastoni told reporters. “I am the last person you should ask. It is not easy. He is a great player, like all the players in France.”

Bastoni said Italy’s defenders would need to produce an outstanding performance, while stressing that the team’s approach would also be important.

“As defenders, we have to play a great match, just as the team does,” he added. “I think the only way to put France in difficulty is to play without fear when we have possession of the ball. I believe that will make the difference.”

Italy began their Nations League campaign with a 2-0 defeat by Belgium before responding with a 4-1 victory over Turkey in the second round.

France, meanwhile, have won both of their matches without conceding a goal. They beat Turkey 1-0 in their opening game and followed that with another 1-0 victory against Belgium.

France lead the group with six points. Belgium are second on three points, level with Italy but ahead on goal difference, while Turkey are bottom without a point.

Italy will face France tonight, with the two sides meeting at the third-round stage of the group competition. The match gives Italy the opportunity to build on their win over Turkey, while France will be seeking to maintain their perfect start.

Bastoni’s comments came as attention focused on the threat posed by Dembele and the quality throughout the France squad. Having experienced Inter’s defeat by Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final, the Italy defender used humour when discussing the challenge of marking the France forward.