Italy International Duo ‘Playing Within Themselves’ In Inter Milan 3-0 AC Milan Coppa Italia Loss | OneFootball

Alessandro Bastoni and Matteo Darmian were both “playing within themselves” in Inter Milan’s Coppa Italia loss to AC Milan yesterday.

This is the view in today’s print edition of Turin-based newspaper Tuttosport, via FCInterNews. They criticize the subpar displays from the two Italian internationals.

Nerazzurri coach Simone Inzaghi made a number of changes to the lineup for the Coppa Italia semifinal second leg.

However, there were a number of positions where the Inter coach stuck with his trusted starters.

In defense, it was not a surprise to see Alessandro Bastoni. The Italian international will serve a suspension against Roma, so there was little reason to rest him for that match.

Meanwhile, Inzaghi had little option but to start Matteo Darmian with Denzel Dumfries out injured.

Bastoni & Darmian “Playing Within Themselves” In Inter 0-3 AC Milan Loss

MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 30: Matteo Darmian of FC Internazionale looks on during the warm up prior to the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Udinese at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on March 30, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Both Bastoni and Darmian showed clear signs of fatigue yesterday, unfortuantely.

In the case of Bastoni, the 24-year-old was not able to really find the kind of expansive creative passes from the back that he usually does.

Bastoni mishit a couple of crosses that would he would normally be more reliable with.

And in defensive situations, Bastoni looked sluggish.

Similarly, Darmian struggled to really have an impact down his flank.

Though always a tireless runner, the former Manchester United and Torino veteran couldn’t contain Theo Hernandez on his flank.

And with the ball, Darmian looked like he was feeling the tiredness as well, as he mishit several passes.