AC Milan became the first Italian team in history to reach the UEFA Youth League final yesterday as the Primavera beat Porto on penalties in the semi-final.
As Calciomercato.com write, the adventure in the Youth League for Ignazio Abate’s side is a story of resilience, determination and courage and above all of two boys, companions for more than a year now who, with monstrous performances have dragged the Rossoneri all the way to the final.
Against Porto last night, Noah Raverye and Kevin Zeroli proved to be driving forces not only on the pitch, but also from 11 metres in the lottery of the penalty shootout. Milan, meanwhile, have a clear path in mind for their future.
A Milan fan since he was a child, Zeroli – from Busto Arsizio not so far from Milanello – has gone through the various youth sectors. His runs into the box have drawn comparisons with Ruben Loftus-Cheek, with whom he trains in the first team.
In the last minute he made up for the marking error on a corner kick that led to Porto’s 2-1 goal by essentially setting up Simmelhack for the equaliser which sent the match to penalties, and once again his was the decisive spot kick.
This week he signed a contract renewal until 30 June 2028 and for him the path is clear: in the event of the creation of the second team he will immediately be promoted to play in Serie C with the U23s.
The story is similar for the goalkeeper born in 2005, signed in July 2023 on a free transfer from Saint Etienne. Milan believes a lot in Raveyre and his characteristics are very reminiscent of the first Gianluigi Donnarumma when he wore the Primavera shirt.
A wall between the posts, he is very reactive and also has room for improvement in areas like his distribution. Penalties are his specialty, with Milan having triumphed on spot kicks against Braga, Real Madrid and Porto.
The second team would also be the ideal move for him, but he is already ready, possibly, for a loan to a club either in Serie B or Serie C. First, however, for both of them, there is already the desire to write a new page in history by becoming European champions.
Bargain chips for foreign imports.
Sad but true.
The senior team should learn a thing or two about the mean of fighting mentality and team sacrifice from their junior.