Italian prosecutors said Tuesday that Inter Milan and Italy defender Alessandro Bastoni is under investigation for alleged underage prostitution. The case is part of a broader inquiry into an events company that organized “all-inclusive” nights for VIP clients at clubs.
According to investigators, Bastoni allegedly had sex with a 17-year-old girl who was recruited by a company that arranged luxury events and dinners for VIPs in Milan. Prosecutors claim the agency’s owners, who are also under investigation, provided private apartments where clients could have sex with underage girls.
In wiretaps from 2020, published by Italian media, Bastoni reportedly “expressed his intention to have sexual intercourse immediately after dinner at the apartment in Cinisello Balsamo,” according to the case file.
In one intercepted conversation, a PR representative from 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 reportedly replied: “Are there any places where we can hide there?” The PR representative allegedly responded: “We’ll figure something out. At worst, you can take her home.”
Prosecutors say the agency pushed the girl into prostitution on the evening of July 11, 2020. The girl, questioned as a witness in recent days, said she had been to the footballer’s home but denied having sex with him.
Bastoni’s lawyer, Salvatore Scuto, said: “I can rule out that my client ever paid for sex, let alone had sexual relations with minors.”
Under Italian law, sexual acts with minors aged 14 to 18 in exchange for money or any other benefit, even if only promised, are punishable by one to six years in prison.
Bastoni has faced heavy criticism from Italy fans after the national team failed to qualify for the World Cup finals. That followed his early red card in a defeat against Bosnia and Herzegovina in April, which ended Italy’s qualification hopes.
Two months earlier, Bastoni was also at the center of controversy during Inter’s match against Juventus. He was widely accused of diving, which led to the wrongful dismissal of Juventus defender Pierre Kalulu. Bastoni had already been booked and could have received a second yellow card for simulation or for trying to influence the referee. Instead, he celebrated as Kalulu was sent off. The Juventus player appealed in vain for a VAR review, but second yellow cards cannot be reviewed under current rules.
Inter went on to win the match 3-2. Bastoni later apologized in a press conference for simulating the foul.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a list of frequently asked questions regarding the investigation into Italian defender Alessandro Bastoni for alleged underage prostitution
BeginnerLevel Questions
1 What is Alessandro Bastoni being investigated for
He is being investigated for allegedly engaging in sexual acts with a minor
2 Who is Alessandro Bastoni
He is a professional football player who plays as a defender for Inter Milan and the Italian national team
3 When did this investigation start
The investigation was reported in Italian media in early 2025 relating to alleged incidents that occurred in 2023
4 Has he been arrested or charged
As of now he has not been arrested or formally charged He is currently under investigation which is a preliminary stage
5 Is he still playing for Inter Milan
Yes he continues to train and play for Inter Milan while the investigation is ongoing
AdvancedLevel Questions
6 What specific law is he suspected of breaking
Italian law regarding the exploitation of prostitution of a minor This law covers any sexual act with a person under 18 in exchange for money or other benefits
7 How did the investigation become public
It reportedly emerged from a wider investigation into other individuals where phone taps and witness testimony allegedly linked Bastoni to the case
8 Has Bastoni made any public statement
He has not made a detailed public statement His legal team has reportedly denied the allegations and stated they are cooperating with the authorities
9 What is the potential penalty if he is found guilty
If convicted the sentence can range from 6 to 12 years in prison depending on the age of the minor and other aggravating factors
10 Could this affect his career with Inter Milan or the Italian national team
Yes potentially While he is presumed innocent until proven guilty a conviction or even a long investigation could lead to suspension by his club termination of his contract or exclusion from the national team
Common Problems Practical Tips
11 Why is this case getting so much media attention
Because Bastoni is a highprofile worldclass athlete Cases involving football stars and serious crimes like this generate significant public and media scrutiny
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