AC Milan’s Primavera side have been up and down in their domestic league so far, but in the UEFA Youth League they are absolutely flying.
La Gazzetta dello Sport notes how Ignazio Abate’s side are top of the youth version of the Champions League with 8 points from four games, which puts them ahead of Dinamo Zagreb (6), Salzburg (5) and Chelsea (2). In the last game they beat Chelsea 3-1 at the Vismara, and it was Chaka Traoré and Gabriele Alesi who shone.
Starting with Alesi, a quick Google search reveals that Manchester United wanted him some time ago, while he is also known for a wondergoal he scored with the Under 15 team in 2019. He was 18 years old playing as a winger, and Verona equalised in a game at the Vismara right at the death to seemingly steal a draw, but from kick-off Alesi got the ball and shot from 50 metres, scoring.
This year he has also been playing out wide and he has amassed 3 goals in 6 matches between league and cup. Last year he finished with one goal and 3 assists in 19 games, and he is developing quickly.
Meanwhile, Chaka Traoré was the first 2004-born to make his debut in Serie A and it actually came against Milan in April 2021 when Stefano Pioli’s side won 3-1 at the Tardini. Three more appearances would come: two in the league against Sampdoria and Lazio and another at the Olimpico in the cup, again against the Biancocelesti.
Milan signed him two years ago for about €600,000 and he has established himself as a starting winger, with 2 goals and 3 assists in 9 games so far this season. In the Youth League he knocked out Dinamo Zagreb almost alone and did well against Chelsea.
