Inter's Bastoni summoned by prosecutors over child prostitution investigation

Alessandro Bastoni, the Inter Milan and Italy defender, has been summoned to appear before the Milan Public Prosecutor’s Office on Friday as part of an investigation into child prostitution, Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport reported.

The 27-year-old is alleged to have paid for sex with a girl who was 17 years old at the time of the alleged incident in June 2020. Under Italian law, paid sex with a minor constitutes child prostitution.

The case against Bastoni forms part of a broader inquiry into an alleged escort ring. Investigators seized conversations during a separate probe into an events company that reportedly organised “all-inclusive” nights for VIP clients at football clubs. In one intercepted exchange, a PR representative for the agency allegedly 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 representative reportedly responded: “We’ll figure something out. At worst, you can take her home.”

Bastoni’s lawyer, Salvatore Scuto, denied the allegations. “My client is very shaken,” Scuto said. “I can rule out that he ever engaged in paid sexual relations, let alone with minors.”

Italian media reports that the girl in question has already been questioned by prosecutors. While she admitted to staying at Bastoni’s home, she denied having sex with the player.

Three other players have also been drawn into the inquiry, though they are not currently under formal investigation. Arsenal’s Riccardo Calafiori, Atalanta’s Daniel Maldini — son of Italy legend Paolo Maldini — and Bologna defender Kevin Bonifazi are said to appear in numerous intercepted conversations, the nature of which has yet to be clarified. Italy’s Guardia di Finanza, a militarised law enforcement agency, has reportedly requested information relating to all three.

The investigation adds to a turbulent recent period for Bastoni. In March, he was sent off during Italy’s World Cup qualifying play-off against Bosnia and Herzegovina, a match the Azzurri ultimately lost on penalties to miss out on a third consecutive World Cup. He also faced widespread criticism and social media abuse following an incident in Inter’s 3-2 derby win over Juventus in February, in which he appeared to simulate contact to get an opposition player dismissed.