Italy defender Alessandro Bastoni has been told to quit Serie A and move abroad after his World Cup qualifying nightmare.The talented centre-back is regarded as one of the best in Europe but his red card in the Azzurri’s play-off defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina has come at a cost.AFPBastoni (sat on the floor) saw red against Bosnia and dealt Italy’s 2026 World Cup hopes a cruel blow[/caption]The Italians, managed by legendary midfielder Gennaro Gattuso, had been favourites to reach the 2026 tournament and were a goal ahead after 15 minutes through Moise Kean.Bastoni’s red card, four minutes before half-time, came as a result of hacking Amar Memic down when he was through on goal.Haris Tabakovic got Bosnia’s equaliser which sent the game to extra-time and then penalties.Misses from Francesco Pio Esposito and Bryan Cristante, and four converted strikes from Bosnia sent the Italians packing.Bastoni and the Italian federation have since borne the brunt of criticism.It capped a tough 2026 for the 26-year-old who has come under intense scrutiny.In February, his simulation saw Juventus star Pierre Kalulu earn a second yellow card and he was then seen brazenly celebrating after the fact, earning him extensive criticism.Bastoni was then booed with every touch against Lecce in their next Serie A game, while his family received death threats.And former Italy and Inter Milan defender Giuseppe Bergomi, who won the World Cup in 1982 and spent his entire career with Inter Milan has insisted he may need to quit the country.Bergomi told Radio Nerazzurra: “What have we put this guy through?GettyBastoni celebrating Kalulu’s red card via his deception of the referee left rival fans furious[/caption]GettyBastoni was offered support by Inter fans in recent weeks[/caption]“He’s a friend, I see him every now and then at basketball games, I love him dearly.“The mistake was in the pipeline, what has he been through for a month and a half? They’ve told him everything.“Now this guy, for his own good, will have to leave Italy and we’re losing an extraordinary talent, one of the best defenders in modern football, he too has his strengths and weaknesses.”He added: “I understand he made a mistake, but enough, guys. I’m so sorry, even for Inter, but I think for his own good he’ll have to find a place abroad, look what I’m saying.”Bastoni has been linked with a transfer to Barcelona this year and was once the subject of Tottenham’s attention.In 2022, then-manager Antonio Conte was desperate to land the ball-playing centre-back.GettyInter’s Champions League exit at the hands of Bodo/Glimt increased scrutiny on Bastoni[/caption]However, despite intense interest no deal materialised.“There was some contact, but I’m glad I stayed at Inter,” said Bastoni of the potential transfer.And Italy’s nightmare continued as they were told by UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin they could lose their status as Euro 2032 co-hosts alongside Turkey.The conditions of their top stadiums have come in for criticism as they struggle to meet requirements.Italy are due to put forward five stadiums from a current shortlist of 11 cities.However, only Juventus’ Allianz Stadium is fit for selection.AFPItalian Football Federation (FIGC) President Gabriele Gravina has been put under pressure after a shocking week for the nation[/caption]“Euro 2032 is scheduled and will take place. I hope the infrastructure will be ready,” Ceferin told Gazzetta dello Sport.“Otherwise, the tournament will not be played in Italy.“Perhaps it is Italian politicians who should be asking themselves why Italy has some of the worst football infrastructure in Europe.”Currently there are plans for the redevelopment of San Siro and the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona in Naples but work must have started by March 2027.Meanwhile, Fiorentina’s Stadio Artemio Franchi is being redeveloped.