Inter Defender Alessandro Bastoni Under Investigation in Underage Prostitution Inquiry

Italian prosecutors have launched an investigation into Inter Milan and Italy national team defender Alessandro Bastoni over allegations of underage prostitution. 

The legal probe is part of a broader inquiry into an entertainment and events management company that reportedly organized "all-inclusive" luxury nights and dinners for high-profile VIP clients at exclusive clubs.

According to investigators, the agency's owners, who are also under investigation, allegedly secured private apartments in Milan where clients could engage in sexual relations with minors. 

Prosecutors allege that Bastoni had sex with a 17-year-old girl who had been recruited by the firm.

Case files published by Italian media feature wiretaps dating back to 2020, in which Bastoni reportedly expressed a clear intention to engage in sexual intercourse at an apartment in Cinisello Balsamo immediately following a dinner. 

Intercepted text conversations reveal a public relations representative from the agency messaging the footballer that the underage girl wanted to sleep with him, prompting Bastoni to ask if there were discreet places to hide. 

The representative allegedly suggested they would figure something out, adding that, at worst, he could take her home.

The agency is accused of inducing the teenager into prostitution on the evening of July 11, 2020. 

While the girl recently confirmed to authorities during witness questioning that she had visited the player's residence, she denied that any sexual intercourse took place between them. 

Bastoni’s defense lawyer, Salvatore Scuto, has firmly denied the accusations, stating that he completely rules out that his client ever paid for sex or had sexual relations with minors. 

Under Italian law, engaging in sexual acts with minors aged between 14 and 18 in exchange for money or promised benefits is a severe offense punishable by one to six years in prison.

The unfolding legal scandal adds to an incredibly turbulent period for the Italian center-back, who has faced immense backlash from national team supporters. 

Bastoni was widely blamed for Italy’s recent failure to qualify for the World Cup finals after receiving an early red card during a decisive defeat against Bosnia and Herzegovina in April.