Today is a historic day for AC Milan’s Primavera side as they will play in the UEFA Youth League semi-finals for the first time in their history.
The game will take place against Hajduk Split in Switzerland today and it comes after Ignazio Abate’s side breezed through the group stages without losing before beating FC Rukh Lviv and Atletico Madrid to reach the final four.
Abate spoke to Milan TV on the eve of the game to convey what an exciting opportunity this is for his team.
“Of course the victory in the league [2-1 against Torino] gave us great morale, above all because of how it came after an excellent performance and because we won it in the 95th minute,” he began.
“I hope it gave us enthusiasm. Then, as far as the Youth League is concerned, it’s a game that prepare by itself, a European semi-final we’ve never got to before and a great opportunity for all of us. I’m sure the boys will prepare well and play a great game, hoping to achieve a dream.
“As for dealing with it as a player, once you go out for the warm-ups and the game starts you completely discharge the adrenaline, you play without thoughts and free.
“From the outside you feel more because you want to have more impact and you can’t, however it’s right that the protagonists are the boys, it’s their moment, they have to put their qualities and skills into play and I hope they enjoy this event, which is an important source of pride for them. I dance an important goal to achieve.
“There will be suffering as in all matches, but we certainly have to face it with great awareness, with respect for the opponents and with humility. I’m sure my lads will be ready, they’ll play an excellent game and field a big heart that will have already shown that they have.
“It will be very exciting for the kids, I am convinced that they will get excited. It is a beautiful setting and it is such a beautiful and unique event that they will certainly experience it in the right way.
“They will be excited by the thousands of people watching, we must be concentrated on what we have to do and put our qualities on the field to win the game.”
What a year for Milan. Best of luck Ragazzi!