Bartesaghi credits Allegri and Milan Futuro for breakthrough season
AC Milan defender Davide Bartesaghi has highlighted the pivotal role of manager Massimiliano Allegri and the club's 'Milan Futuro' project in his rapid ascent to the first team this season. The 20-year-old left-back, who has made 42 appearances across all competitions, made the comments while on international duty with Italy's Under-21 side.
Speaking after starring in two victories for the Azzurrini, Bartesaghi expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him. "At Milan I have had so far more than I would have thought to ask for," he said. "I am happy and lucky: I have the confidence of the coach, the staff, and my teammates." He specifically credited Allegri with developing his tactical flexibility, a key factor in his emergence.
"I owe everything to Allegri and his collaborators," Bartesaghi explained. "They have given me security and helped me adapt to more roles. I like playing where they use me today, as a wing-back, a role I dedicate a lot of work to. In the future, I also see myself in a back three: I have understood that versatility is an added value." This adaptability has seen him become a fixture in a defence that has improved significantly from last season's struggles.
Bartesaghi's path was far from guaranteed. He reflected that without the 'Milan Futuro' Under-23 team, in which he played in Serie C last season, his career might have taken a different path. "After playing in the Primavera, many boys risk getting lost," he said. "Without the Under-23 team maybe I would have had to change clubs and cities. The environment elsewhere is different, it's inevitable." He described the experience as tough initially but ultimately fundamental for his professional and personal growth.
The defender also acknowledged the healthy competition within the squad, specifically mentioning Pervis Estupinan. "He is a good player. We are teammates, not rivals," Bartesaghi stated, emphasizing the positive energy within the group. He named Matteo Gabbia, Mike Maignan, and Adrien Rabiot as key mentors, while reserving special praise for the quiet leadership of Luka Modric.
Looking ahead, Bartesaghi and Milan face a crucial Serie A match against Napoli this weekend, a fixture he described as one of their most important of the season. His rise from the youth ranks to a key player in a high-stakes clash underscores a successful season for both player and club. The defender's development offers a clear endorsement of Milan's strategy to bridge the gap between their academy and the senior squad through their second-team project.
