Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni is under investigation for child prostitution.
It is part of a larger inquiry by the Milan Public Prosecutor’s Office into an alleged escort ring after conversations were seized during an investigation into an events company that organised “all-inclusive” nights for VIP clients at football clubs.
In one of the intercepted conversations, as reported by Italian newspaper Gazetta dello Sport, a PR representative for the agency wrote to Bastoni: “I think the underage girl wants to sleep with you. I think she wants to have some fun.” Bastoni allegedly replied: “Are there any places where we can hide there?”, to which the PR representative allegedly responded: “We’ll figure something out. At worst, you can take her home.”
Bastoni, 27, has been summoned to appear before prosecutors on Friday and is alleged to have paid for sex with one of the girls, who was 17 at the time, in June 2020. The fact she was a minor at the time, means paid sex would constitute child prostitution.
“My client is very shaken,” Bastoni’s lawyer, Salvatore Scuto, said. “I can rule out that he ever engaged in paid sexual relations, let alone with minors.”
Italian media reports the girl has already been questioned and while she has admitted to staying at Bastoni’s house she denies having sex with the player.
Guardia di Finanza, an Italian militarised law enforcement agency, has also reportedly requested information from three players not currently investigation, including Arsenal’s Riccardo Calafiori. Joined by Atalanta’s Daniel Maldini, son of legendary Italy defender Paolo Maldini, and Bologna defender Kevin Bonifazi, the three allegedly appear in numerous conversations, the nature of which remains to be clarified.
It is the culmination of a nightmare few months for Bastoni, who was sent off during Italy’s crucial World Cup qualifying play-off against Bosnia and Herzegovina in March. The Azzurri went on to lose on penalties and miss out on a third straight World Cup.
Bastoni and his family were also abused on social media after an incident during Inter’s 3-2 win over fierce rivals Juventus in February. Bastoni appeared to dive in a successful attempt to get an opposition player sent off.
Additional reporting from AP
