Davide Bartesaghi had an unforgettable day on Sunday, scoring his first two goals for the AC Milan first team, but he is keeping his feet on the ground.
After a great start to the campaign in his new wing-back role, the brace against Sassuolo has sparked a sort of Bartesaghi-mania, with Milan fans quickly falling in love with the young Italian who came through the academy.
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His recent performances and the fact he scored a couple of goals so young has sparked comparisons with club legend Paolo Maldini. In fact, at 19 years and 350 days, Bartesaghi is the youngest Italian defender to score for Milan in Serie A since Maldini (19 years and 247 days) on February 28, 1988.
However, speaking to SportMediaset in the build-up to Thursday’s Supercoppa Italiana semi-final against Napoli, Bartesaghi made it clear that such comparisons are not coming into his mind at present. Calciomercato.com relayed his words.
What is in your mind as you approach each game?
“We always try to go into the game with the same attitude, regardless of the team we’re facing. You can get a result or not, but we give our all for the shirt.”
How did you feel after the brace on Sunday?
“An indescribable emotion, thrilling because it was also my first goal in Serie A. I dedicate this to my family, my friends, and also to the staff who helps me.”
There are already comparisons with Maldini…
“He’s one of my idols, but let’s go easy on the comparisons. I just think about being myself and giving my all for Milan, that’s important.”
Who else do you look up to?
“I’m always trying to improve, with a clear mind. I used to look up to Theo Hernandez, but now I see him less and look up to Spinazzola, who we’re great friends with, as a role model.”
Camarda was there to watch…
“He congratulated me and told me he was emotional too, along with my family. Francesco is a great friend and I love him.”
“I’m always trying to improve, with a clear mind. I used to look up to Theo Hernandez, but now I see him less and look up to Spinazzola ”
He didn’t need to say that he could’ve just said “Theo is a good player I also like spinazzola”
Might just be down to the translation as I doubt that there was any malice intended on his part as he recently was quoted differently in regard of how much Theo had meant for his development. In the same interview he also mentioned Spinazzola as a role model. I might obviously be wrong here but I think he basically is implying that he is just not learning from Theo on a daily basis any longer as he left the club.
Who in their right mind is comparing him to Maldini? Only someone who has never seen Maldini play.
Just like Tonali was the next Pirlo because they had the same hairstyle. The media is ridiculous.
I agree with you. I hate that about the Italian culture. Stop comparing the kids to greats – that adds unnecessary pressure and f**ks with them. Let them develop in peace.
What he said about Camarda warms the heart. This is why we need to get more of our talented youngsters into the first team. They grow up with the club and each other. They know what it means to fight for the shirt and each other. All we need to do is have faith and patience. Once we establish a good core of Milan academy graduates, all we’ll need to do is spend on one big targeted signing per summer.
Fully agree Vero. That is how a club should be run.