CM: Atletico Madrid’s call and Allegri’s veto – the background on Bartesaghi’s summer

Among the most impressive performances in Sunday’s derby win was that of Davide Bartesaghi, at just 19 years of age.

Bartesaghi was chosen instead of Pervis Estupinan, and he repaid Massimiliano Allegri’s faith with a performance that displayed maturity, grinta and quality. He now seems to have made the left wing-back role his own, something that did not seem likely even a few weeks ago.

Atletico’s call declined

Calciomercato.com recall that Allegri picked out Bartesaghi as someone that he wanted as part of his first-team set-up, despite Milan Futuro’s relegation to Serie D seemingly pushing the player toward a loan move.

Before Matteo Ruggeri’s arrival from Atalanta for around €20m, Atlético Madrid had made inquiries about Bartesaghi’s situation. Diego Simeone had seen potential in a player who had made few senior appearances, obviously aided by club scouts.

Alessandro Sabattini + Marco Luzzani/Getty Images

This interest is certainly nothing new to Milan, but Igli Tare and Allegri immediately vetoed the transfer. Borussia Dortmund and other Serie A clubs had also inquired about the teenager’s status in the summer too.

As for the player, he has made his boyhood club the priority. Back in October 2023, he signed his first professional contract with the Rossoneri, valid until 2026. Three years later, Milan confirmed their faith in him by extending his contract until 2030.