Italian football has been rocked by shocking news as Inter Milan and Italy national team defender Alessandro Bastoni is currently under investigation. The Milan Public Prosecutor’s Office is probing allegations that the 27-year-old paid for sex with a minor, a charge that constitutes child prostitution under Italian law.
The news arrives during a deeply turbulent year for the defender, bringing intense legal and media scrutiny to one of Italy’s most prominent football stars.
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Details of the Allegations
According to Italian authorities, the investigation stems from an incident in June 2020. Bastoni is alleged to have engaged the services of a 17-year-old girl. Under Italy’s legal framework, exchanging money or any other benefit for sexual acts with individuals between the ages of 14 and 18 is classified as child prostitution. The crime carries severe penalties, including potential prison sentences ranging from one to six years.
The allegations against Bastoni surfaced as part of a much larger, ongoing investigation led by the Guardia di Finanza, Italy’s militarized law enforcement agency. The broader inquiry is scrutinizing an events company based in Cinisello Balsamo that allegedly operated an illicit escort ring. Prosecutors suspect the agency organized “all-inclusive” luxury dinners and parties for wealthy VIP clients, a client list that allegedly included several high-profile footballers.
Wiretaps from 2020 purportedly captured conversations between Bastoni and a PR representative from the agency discussing arrangements involving the underage girl. As a result of these intercepted communications, Bastoni has been formally summoned to appear before prosecutors for questioning this Friday.
Investigation Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Player | Alessandro Bastoni |
| Club | Inter Milan |
| Allegation | Child Prostitution (Paid sex with a 17-year-old) |
| Date of Alleged Incident | June 2020 |
| Investigating Body | Milan Public Prosecutor’s Office |
| Next Legal Step | Scheduled questioning with prosecutors |
Denials and Defense
Despite the serious nature of the allegations, Bastoni’s legal team has strongly denied any wrongdoing. His lawyer, Salvatore Scuto, released a statement clarifying the player’s position, insisting his client is entirely innocent of the criminal charges.
“My client is very shaken,” Scuto stated to the press. “I can rule out that he ever engaged in paid sexual relations, let alone with minors.”
Furthermore, Italian media reports indicate that the young woman in question was recently interviewed by prosecutors as a witness. While she reportedly admitted to spending time at the footballer’s residence on the night in question, she explicitly denied having engaged in any sexual intercourse with him.
The Broader Escort Ring Inquiry
The Milan Prosecutor’s Office is working to reconstruct the entire network surrounding the events agency, identifying the girls involved and uncovering how the advanced party packages operated. The Guardia di Finanza has not stopped at Bastoni; they have reportedly requested information regarding several other professional football players whose names appeared in the seized communications.
Players Referenced in the Broader Agency Inquiry
| Name | Current Club | Status in Investigation |
|---|---|---|
| Alessandro Bastoni | Inter Milan | Under formal investigation |
| Riccardo Calafiori | Arsenal | Information requested; nature unclarified |
| Daniel Maldini | Atalanta | Information requested; nature unclarified |
| Kevin Bonifazi | Bologna | Information requested; nature unclarified |
(Note: Being mentioned in the agency’s communications does not imply the other players are suspected of the same crimes as Bastoni, and their specific involvement remains to be clarified by authorities.)
A Difficult Period for Bastoni
This legal turmoil is the culmination of a nightmare few months for the Inter center-back on the pitch. In March, Bastoni was sent off during Italy’s crucial 2026 World Cup qualifying playoff against Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Azzurri went on to lose the match on penalties, causing the reigning European champions to shockingly miss their third consecutive World Cup.
Additionally, Bastoni and his family faced severe social media abuse following a controversial incident in a heated Serie A match against rival club Juventus in February, where he was accused of diving to get an opponent sent off. Now, facing an investigation that threatens both his freedom and his career, the defender faces his most difficult battle yet.
FAQs
Why is Alessandro Bastoni being investigated?
He is being investigated by the Milan Public Prosecutor’s Office for allegedly paying for sex with a 17-year-old girl in June 2020, an act that constitutes child prostitution under Italian law.
Has the Inter Milan defender admitted to the charges?
No. Bastoni’s lawyer has firmly denied the allegations, stating the player has never engaged in paid sexual relations with anyone, let alone a minor.
What has the alleged victim said about the incident?
The girl, who was questioned as a witness, admitted to visiting Bastoni’s house but denied having sexual intercourse with the football player.
Is this case part of a larger investigation?
Yes, the case emerged from a broader inquiry into an events agency in Cinisello Balsamo suspected of running a VIP escort ring that organized parties for high-profile clients.
Are other football players involved in the investigation?
Authorities have requested information regarding several other players, including Riccardo Calafiori and Daniel Maldini, whose names appeared in agency communications, though their specific involvement in the overarching probe remains unclarified.
