GdS: ‘Bartesaghi and the others’ – signs emerge that the Milan Futuro project is working

Last season, the Milan Futuro team were relegated to Serie D. However, it seems the project may be working, albeit not in the way expected.

When AC Milan started to look at a project to improve youth players at a senior level, the hope was that they would emerge quickly and not struggle in the third tier. Instead, most found it more challenging.

Take Francesco Camarda for example, the Italian striker never really got to grips with Serie C. However, he looked calm in the top flight, and he looked strong against European competition, albeit at a youth level.

Futuro failing… or not?

So, when the team were relegated last season, there were frustrations about the way that things were headed.

As Gazzetta dello Sport writes, via MilanPress, the project is far from failing. Camarda is now on loan in Serie A, Kevin Zeroli is with Monza in Serie B and Alex Jimenez is now a Premier League footballer. Then, there is Davide Bartesaghi, who has established himself as a starter for the first team.

Photo by Marco M. Mantovani/Getty Images

Of course, each of these players had quality before the Futuro, but their experience there has certainly helped to mature them. Even if there are only a few shining lights per year, there can be positivity.

At this rate, the Futuro cannot really be considered a mistake, as it may have been last year. Especially if the pathway to the first team becomes more common and sales continue.