The minutes that he got during AC Milan’s preseason campaign show just how highly regarded Davide Bartesaghi is, and a stay in the first team cannot be excluded.
MilanNews write how Bartesaghi has an imposing physique, good footwork and great concentration, which are three important pre-requisites for a player hoping to make the jump to play consistent first team football.
Even last year Pioli called Bartesaghi (still 16 at the time) up for a training camp at Milanello. After a good season played under the guidance of Ignazio Abate, he climbed the hierarchies to now potentially be considered as the deputy left-back.
However, he could be an important wild card too. In the last friendly match against Novara, Pioli deployed the 18-year-old as a left-sided centre-back, preferring him to Mattia Caldara who has years of Serie A experience.
Milan have made eight signings this summer and are believed to be looking for a new centre-back and left-back, but the solution could be found ‘in house’ by fully promoting the teenager to work under Theo Hernandez.
Pioli is reflecting on the situation, while the player continues to do his bit to try and convince, as demonstrated by the commitment and quality shown so far.
