AC Milan have moved to secure the long-term future of one of their most promising academy products, with young full-back Mattia Cappelletti signing a contract extension with the club until 2027. The 17-year-old, who is currently a key figure for Milan Futuro in Serie D, has been rewarded for his rapid development with an improved deal, according to reports from Italy. The new agreement represents a significant show of faith from the Rossoneri hierarchy in the player dubbed the 'new Davide Bartesaghi'.
Cappelletti, born in Milan in June 2007, has progressed through the club's youth ranks at Vismara. His breakthrough season came in 2024/25 with the Under-18 side, where he made 27 appearances, scoring once and providing three assists. His form earned him a promotion to the Milan Futuro project, the club's reserve team competing in Italy's fourth tier, where he has flourished under the guidance of coach Massimo Oddo.
In his debut campaign for Milan Futuro, the right-back has made 32 appearances in Serie D, contributing two goals and four assists. His recent performance against Castellanzese, where he provided two assists, underscored his growing influence and attacking threat from the flank. His technical profile is that of a modern full-back, combining defensive diligence with an ability to support the attack through precise crosses and overlapping runs.
Club sources indicate that first-team manager Massimiliano Allegri has already taken note, observing Cappelletti in several senior training sessions. The club's decision to extend his contract ahead of schedule, having only signed his first professional deal until 2026 in February 2024, highlights his status within the academy. He is represented by the agency GR Sports, which also manages the interests of fellow Milan youngsters Chaka Traorè and Lorenzo Ossola.
The comparisons to Davide Bartesaghi are inevitable. Both defenders emerged from the same youth system and share a similar modern interpretation of the full-back role. Bartesaghi's own rapid ascent, which saw him make 30 first-team appearances this season, provides a clear pathway for Cappelletti to follow, albeit on the opposite flank. The club's strategy appears to be focused on developing and promoting from within, with Milan Futuro acting as a crucial bridge.
On the international stage, Cappelletti's progress has been recognized by Italy's youth setup. He made his debut for the Under-19 national team in August 2025 in a 4-1 win over Albania under coach Alberto Bollini and has since earned further caps. In total, he has accumulated 32 appearances across various Azzurri youth selections, gaining valuable experience.
The new contract is designed to shield the player from external interest and allow his development to continue in a stable environment at Milan. For the club, it represents a cost-effective strategy to build squad depth, focusing on internal talent before potentially venturing into the transfer market. For Cappelletti, the immediate focus will be on continuing his impressive form with Milan Futuro, with the long-term ambition of emulating Bartesaghi's journey to the senior squad at San Siro.
