Lorenzo Colombo’s former coach Roberto Venturato believes that the striker can reach the very top, and urged AC Milan to consider including him in the squad for next season.
Colombo made his way through the Milan youth sector at a very fast pace, with his scoring record seeing him make his debut for the Primavera (U19) side at the age of 15.
He made his first-team debut aged 18 back in June 2020, replacing Lucas Paquetá in a 0-0 draw at home against Juventus, and he then made his Serie A debut in a 5-1 home win against Bologna the next month.
His first senior goal came in a 4–1 win against Monza in a friendly match, and then he netted in a Europa League qualifying match against Norwegian side FK Bodø/Glimt.
A six-month loan spell at Cremonese followed, and then in the summer of 2021 was sent to Serie B club SPAL for a year, before spending last season with Lecce and getting his first taste of consistent top flight football.
He scored six goals for them last season, and according to WynnBet sportsbook, what the future holds remains to be seen, with a strong possibility for a new loan possible or even a spot in the rotations at Milan.
MilanNews spoke to Roberto Venturato who was the coach of Colombo while he was one loan with SPAL during the 2021-22 season, and he revealed what the young forward is like.
Were you surprised by the impact that Colombo had in his first Serie A season at Lecce?
“Honestly? No. Colombo has the means, technical skills, tactics and mindset to play permanently in Serie A. I’ve never doubted it.”
What is his tactical evolution?
“Lorenzo can play both as a lone striker and in a two-man attack. I prefer him in a pair of forwards. He will have to improve his ability to move according to team play. But there is time to grow.”
How do you see him fitting in at Milan, with Stefano Pioli in charge?
“I think he can fit into an important environment like Milan because he has great moral qualities. From a tactical point of view, I believe that Pioli can find the solution to let Lorenzo express himself according to the team’s needs. Also because he is not a fool: he is one of the best Italian coaches.”
Does the current Colombo have what it takes to dispel Milan’s ‘curse of the No.9 shirt’ and establish himself as a centre-forward of the present and the future?
“I always thought that was his destiny. He has the right personality to do well at Milan and drag them to important targets with his goals. You rarely find young people with his mentality around.”
