2 months ago
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Davide Bartesaghi is the man of the moment for AC Milan, and his journey from humble upbringings to a starting spot at 19 is an inspiring one.
La Gazzetta dello Sport write how in Bartesaghi’s case, his hometown of Annone di Brianza seems tailor-made for him. It is simple, down-to-earth, hard-working. Typical of the provinces, especially in Northern Italy. Even the locals are a bit cold at first glance, except when mentioning Bartesaghi, when their eyes light up.
Humble beginnings
Born in Erba in 2005, he joined Milan’s youth academy in 2012 and made his Serie A debut with the Rossoneri on 23 September 2023. To everyone in him home town, he’s simply ‘Dade’. They’ve watched him grow up and now they’re enjoying his exploits a lot.
“Today, La Gazzetta newspaper will be read more than the budget closing,” Lorenzo Lazzarini, an Annone city councillor, told them. “Davide has remained the same guy he always was.” In town, there are also people who cook him the goat salami he’s crazy about, which his father used to bring as a Christmas present to Milan’s management.
If Bartesaghi is at Milan today, it’s thanks to a stubborn scout who sensed he had pure talent in his hands. Even though it was all set up with Atalanta, and Inter were also interested. Dade was eight years old and playing with his friends in the Annone youth club gym.
“When they brought him to my attention, they begged me to go and watch him. I was immediately impressed. I spoke to his parents, Daniele and Stefania, and asked them to trust us. Then I told Galliani he would be Milan’s starting full-back of the future,” recalls Mauro Bianchessi, the former Milan scout.
Bianchessi’s story is echoed by Marino Frigerio, one of Davide’s first coaches at Milan: “I saw him as a central defender, like Bastoni, so to speak. I often tell my dad that too, when I hear it. When necessary, I’d play him as a defensive midfielder: it’s not true that he’s better at attacking than defending.”
Rise to stardom
On Sunday, after his two goals against Sassuolo, the town seemed to be celebrating. The internet says Bartesaghi was born in Erba, true, but only because there’s no hospital in Annone. He grew up in the village and is a source of pride for the locals.
On the afternoon of his brace at San Siro, everyone was talking about him in the streets. Many kids were hugging each other as if they had scored. Some, as children, even played with him in the parish church.
Mayor Luca Marsigli also spoke about him: “Davide is an example of values and attitude. His feats on the pitch are a source of pride for our community.” Those who have known him for a long time describe him as a simple and reserved person. A bit like his father Daniele.
Daniele’s lesson
There was a time when that now 1.92m tall defender struggled. He often came on during matches and failed to stand out. It was his character that made the difference.
Bianchessi adds: “Even after a mistake, he managed to stay on top of things. He’s a bit of a sulk, he seems shy, but in reality, he’s a golden boy if he can trust you.
“He’ll turn 20 at the end of December, but the impact his family had on his development was tangible from an early age. They were always by his side—a 40-minute round trip from his home to Vismara—supporting him, but never interfering in the coaches’ decisions.”
His father, Daniele, is a craftsman. He taught him the value of hard work and sacrifice. He doesn’t speak much; often, a glance is enough between them. But when a word more is needed, his mother, Stefania, slides in to save the day.
Everyone agrees on this, from Annone to Milan. They talk about him with a smile, many of them – albeit in different ways – played a role in his journey. He’s now conquered San Siro, making his fellow citizens so proud. But for them, he’ll always be ‘Dade’.
English (US) ·