Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni has said that he has been analysing how Antonio Rudiger kept Manchester City superstar Erling Haaland quiet.
As quoted by Football Italia, the 24-year-old previewed the upcoming Champions League final and his much-awaited battle with the £51.2 million (Sky Sports) man on Saturday night.
When quizzed about how he would tame Erling Haaland, Alessandro Bastoni admitted that he has cited Antonio Rudiger as the perfect example.
Alessandro Bastoni cites Antonio Rudiger example on stopping Erling Haaland
The Italian international is making headlines ahead of his side’s clash with the double winners, even mentioning that he suits Pep Guardiola’s style of play amidst transfer rumours.
With Haaland having scored 52 goals in all competitions this season, all eyes are on how he performs, as his display could be the deciding factor between whether the trophy heads to Manchester or Milan.
Alessandro Bastoni has now said that he is studying how Antonio Rudiger dealt with Erling Haaland in order to do the same in Istanbul.
“I have seen videos of Rudiger, we will try to take his example. But it’s not Haaland-Inter, it’s City-Inter. And we will try to stop them.”
Erling Haaland needs to capitalise on the impending doom that he brings
Often, several defenders are blinded by a false sense of security when facing the Norwegian striker, as he remains a peripheral figure in several games before pouncing onto a chance and doing what he does best.
While Alessandro Bastoni must be hoping that he keeps Erling Haaland under control in the same vein as Antonio Rudiger did, the prolific marksman must return to his clinical best to ensure the impending doom that comes with his game manifests into something special.
Not to be overly critical of Haaland but lately, his finishing has not been at its lethal best, as seen in games such as against Real Madrid, Brighton and Manchester United.
If Erling Haaland reverts to type for the Sky Blues, it could be a night to forget for Alessandro Bastoni or any centre-back on the planet, for that matter.
