Davide Bartesaghi believes that AC Milan can dream about a potential comeback in the title race, but a top four finish remains the stated aim.
The boyhood Milanista Bartesaghi must have had a strange night at San Siro last night. He was forced to start the derby from the bench due to not being 100% after a muscle strain sustained in Cremona, and watched his replacement Pervis Estupinan become the hero.
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Of course, he will have been nothing but happy for his team-mate, but the Italian could be forgiven for thinking ‘what if’ it was him in the same position as the Ecuadorian.
Bartesaghi was present at the presentation of the 21st Amici dei Bambini Tournament at the Carro Social Club in Sesto San Giovanni on Monday night, and he answered questions from journalists in attendance.
Winning a derby is always great…
“Of course, it’s always incredibly emotional because derbies are very important matches. This year we managed to win two out of two and we’re very pleased. The credit goes to the whole team, but we’re also very happy with Pervis’s goal that brought us these three points.”
Can we talk about the Scudetto now?
“The goal is always the same, the one for July, which is to get back into the Champions League zone. Europe is Milan’s home and we can’t miss out. Dreaming is free, but we’re focused on our goal and we’ll see what happens from here on out.”
Are there actually seven points between you and Inter, or do you feel the gap is closer?
“They’re the ones you see in the standings. Now there are so many other games to play, so anything can happen. Football is strange. You have to be good at managing matches and trying to do the best you can.”
Your performances have also caught the attention of Rino Gattuso. Do you believe you’ll be called up? If so, are you ready?
“Let’s hope so. Right now I’m focused on Milan. We have two more games left that are very important for our objective, and we’ll try to do our best.”
Regarding the tournament, open to the 2013 Esordienti category, it will take place from March 29 to June 7, 2026, at the Aldini Sports Center in Milan, at Via Felice Orsini 78/84. It will feature 40 professional and amateur teams.
Among the participating clubs are: AC Milan, FC Internazionale Milano, Atalanta BC, Como 1907, FC Torino, AC Monza, US Cremonese, Genoa CFC, and US Sassuolo.
