Davide Bartesaghi reflects on Milan journey from Vismara trials to first-team impact
AC Milan defender Davide Bartesaghi has opened up on his rapid rise from the club's academy to the first team, recounting the pivotal moments and figures who shaped his career in an interview with the club's official channel, Milan TV. The 2005-born Italian full-back, now a fixture in Massimiliano Allegri's squad, provided a candid look at his development, his childhood idols, and the emotional weight of playing for the club he supported.
Bartesaghi revealed that his first memory of the club was a trial at the Vismara sports centre, where he was greeted by two legends. "I had crossed the gates of Vismara and I found two legends like Paolo Maldini and Angelo Carbone," he told Milan TV. He described the moment as "incredible," particularly for his father, who had passed on his passion for the Rossoneri. The defender also named former Real Madrid star Marcelo as a childhood idol he studied closely.
His integration into the senior setup has been aided by key figures in the dressing room. Bartesaghi highlighted the support of Rafael Leao, Matteo Gabbia, and Luka Modric. He shared a specific anecdote about Leao's mentorship following his breakthrough two-goal performance against Sassuolo last December. "Rafa, when I scored the double, besides giving me the picture with my photo... told me that the most difficult moment would arrive," Bartesaghi said. He expressed deep appreciation for the forward's guidance, calling him a "top person." He described Gabbia as his closest confidant at the club and Modric as an "exceptional person" from whom there is much to learn.
Discussing his current manager, Bartesaghi used the words "sympathetic and positive" to describe Allegri, noting the coach's insistence on maintaining a positive mindset. The defender also reflected on the formative, if challenging, period with the Milan Futuro (Under-23) team, which experienced relegation to Serie D last season. He called that defeat a significant life lesson, stating it was a moment he "did not expect to hit rock bottom" but that it ultimately served him well.
When asked about his most cherished match, Bartesaghi immediately pointed to the Sassuolo game where he scored his first senior goals. "It was an extraordinary day. Truly incredible to hear your own name shouted by 'San Siro'. I think it's a unique thing," he said. The defender also mentioned the pain of losing a UEFA Youth League final as a match he would like to replay, acknowledging the work put in under former youth coach Ignazio Abate.
Bartesaghi, who joined Milan's youth sector after a brief stint at Atalanta, continues to live in his hometown area near a lake, where he spends rare days off with family and friends. His career trajectory, bypassing the Primavera team to go directly from the Under-17s to the professional project, underscores the club's recent focus on fast-tracking top academy talent. His established role provides Allegri with a reliable, homegrown option in defence as the club builds for the future.
