Davide Bartesaghi, a prodigiously talented 20-year-old defender for AC Milan, is revolutionizing the Rossoneri’s defense this season, and he himself admits: he never expected to play so much or so soon. With nearly 2,000 minutes played and already establishing himself as an indispensable starter, Bartesaghi does not hide his gratitude towards coach Massimiliano Allegri, whom he credits for the success and confidence he has been gaining since the start of the season.
“I owe everything to Massimiliano Allegri and his team. They gave me confidence and helped me adapt to different positions on the field,” Bartesaghi revealed in statements to Gazzetta dello Sport. The young defender, who came through Milan’s academy, emphasized that the versatility he has been demonstrating is an essential asset for his growth and the future of his career. “I like the position I play today, but I see myself in a three-defender system. I’ve learned that being versatile is an added value.”
Bartesaghi did not limit his comments to his individual evolution. The focus is also on the transformation of Milan’s defense, which, according to him, has been a clear priority for Allegri since he took charge. “The defensive statistics from last season were not good, and the coach asked us to correct that immediately. He demands something simple: not to concede goals and to score. He repeats that every day,” the young player explained.
Discipline and daily work are fundamental ingredients for success, assures Bartesaghi, who claims to feel a close and supportive relationship with the entire coaching staff. “Allegri is a great man and coach. He always told me to stay calm. I have the support of the coaching staff, and I feel even closer to them. I knew my opportunity could come, and when it did, I seized it.”
On a collective level, Bartesaghi highlighted the crucial role of his teammates who have helped him during this season of affirmation. “Gabbia is the first. I spend a lot of time with him, and we do many things together. On the field, Maignan is our leader. Rabiot talks a lot with me, and Modric leads more by example than by words,” he confided.
Bartesaghi’s journey to becoming a key player for Milan has not been linear. In the previous season, he mostly played for the youth team, Milan Futuro, which competes in the Italian third division. “Without Milan U23, I would have had to change clubs and cities. I wouldn’t have been able to settle down and would have had to change everything again. The environment is different, of course, but it was a crucial step. The club’s project is to help young players develop, and that is possible there. It’s not Serie A, nor Primavera, but there is pressure and matches against experienced teams,” explained the young defender.
Despite Milan Futuro’s relegation to Serie D in the 2024-25 season, Bartesaghi maintains that this experience was essential in shaping the player he is today: “Without that experience, I wouldn’t be the player I am.”
The immediate future holds a crucial test for Bartesaghi and Milan: a decisive clash against Napoli at the Stadio Maradona, a match that could be pivotal in the title race. “It’s one of the most important games, essential at this final stage of the season. We are preparing with all the attention it deserves. There will be excitement, but also a lot of awareness. We have a strong team and any opponent is within our reach,” concluded the young defender confidently.
Davide Bartesaghi is undoubtedly one of the great promises of Italian football, and his connection with Allegri and AC Milan promises to be the formula for success in the very near future. If he continues to evolve like this, the young defender could be the cornerstone of a new rossonera era.
This article first appeared on Apito Final.
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