3 weeks ago
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This weekend, Davide Bartesaghi will start for AC Milan in the Derby della Madonnina, and the Italian will hope to accomplish a dream.
There has been a lot of scrutiny about the left-back position in recent weeks, mainly because Pervis Estupinan is now fit to play again. However, he may not be the first choice, even if decent money was spent to bring him to Milano.
Since his absence, Bartesaghi has established himself as an option, and perhaps the primary one. Despite his youth, he offers Massimiliano Allegri a versatile and comfortable option, which Estupinan sometimes does not.
As of right now, a decision has not been made. However, it seems that the youngster is more likely to start than not. Perhaps this could be viewed as a bad thing, but it may not be. Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport, he covered the derby and his readiness for the game.
“Yes, I played both games, but I’ve also played in the league before, so I’m coming in on the right foot.”
In his case, the left one…
“Sure, but now the right one too, which otherwise would be a problem if I don’t know how to use both.”
He comes home, and there’s the derby…
“I’ve played a lot with the youth teams. And last year I even came on as a late substitute in the Coppa Italia semi-final, when we were 3-0 up.”
This time, he could play it from the start…
“It’s always a pleasure. In fact, I’d say it’s been a dream since I was little. Because I’ve been a Milan fan since I was a child, and my dad, Daniele, is also a Milan fan. I’m available to the coach and my teammates.”
Now, speaking of teammates, what’s it like having someone like Luka Modric in the dressing room?
“He’s a great champion, and he’s not the only one we have on the team. We talk to him, he helps us: we always have to take a cue from him, both in terms of his mentality and the character he brings to every match.”
You’ve often said that your role model is Theo Hernandez. And now that the Frenchman is gone?
“Eh, Theo is no longer here, but he’s still playing!”
So you still follow him now that he plays in Saudi Arabia?
“Sure, sometimes I manage to watch some clips, maybe some of his goals, or match highlights or other videos. If I have to think about the Italian championship, however, I focus more on Spinazzola.
“But I’m starting to think about having a status of my own, and I’m working towards that. To be Bartesaghi.”
On the pitch, he can be more offensive, as in Poland, or more cautious, as in Montenegro…
“With Montenegro, we thought a bit more about preventative measures. Let’s say I always try to understand when I can move: if I see the midfielder covering me, then I can push forward more.”
Maybe with longer studs, so he doesn’t slip like in Montenegro…
“But the studs were new! Oh well, these things happen, and then the pitch with all that rain was really bad, and the margin for error was very slim. So they scored, but we knew how to react to the incident.”
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