2014 Viareggio Cup Primavera winning team: Where are they now?

By Ahmed Bdair -

The Viareggio Cup – as it’s officially called – is one of the most important youth tournaments in the world, as it holds a big significance in the eyes of talent scouts and is the showcase for countless phenomenal talents.

Milan and Juve historically hold the most tournament wins with nine, with our latest triumph coming in the 2013/14 season under the guidance of coach Pippo Inzaghi.

Milan overcame HNK Rijeka, Envigado (Colombia), Fiorentina, and finally Anderlecht in what was a very heated final which saw three players sent off. This is a recap of the careers of the members of that team following that Anderlecht final.

STARTING XI

Stefano Gori (GK): Was surpassed by Donnarumma and realised he had no chance of breaking through. Therefore, he moved to Bari for 150k but only played one competitive game for them. Currently on loan at Serie C side Pro Piacenza. 

Davide Calabria (RB): Davide is the only player on the bench or in the starting XI to actually make an impact in the first team. Still at the club, Calabria is currently second in the pecking order behind new signing Andrea Conti. 

Ivan De Santis (CB): Went on loan twice last season first to Serie C club Catania, where he only featured twice, until his loan was terminated in January and he went on loan again the next day to Paganese. There, he had much more game time starting 15 games and helping his club to the Lega Pro playoffs. His performances earned him a move up this offseason to Serie B club Ascoli. 

Davide Pacifico (CB): The captain of the side and a player that started every game. He looked destined for good things when his agent came out and said, “Davide is happy, he feels Allegri’s trust,” but after a move to Serie C side Sudtirol in 14/15, he seemingly has dropped out of football

Krisztián Tamas (LB): Started every game. He left permanently for Varese in 14/15 and has led a journeyman career. He has newly gotten a transfer to Videoton FC in his homeland of Hungary

Alessandro Mastalli (CM): An important figure in the team’s midfield at the time and the scorer of the third and final goal. He joined Lugano on loan in 15/16 but rarely featured, he moved last season to Serie C side Juve Stabia played and 33 games helping his team to the Lega Pro playoffs. Milan still have a buy back clause on him, according to Gianluca Di Marzio.

Andrej Modic (CM): Has been out on loan to Serie B clubs Vicenza and Brescia fo the past two seasons. He linked up with former Primavera manager Brocchi at Brescia but it didn’t seem to help him, with him getting few minutes

Zan Benedicic (CM): Milan’s top scorer at the tournament and started every game. His disciplinary problems, however, reared their ugly heads both in the final, where he was sent off, and in his loan move to Leeds soon after where some off-field problems ruined his spell at the club. after several moves in Italy and England he is currently without a club

Donald Bende (AM): Was a cog when Inzaghi changed the fomation after the first game of the tournament. Currently plays at Moldovan side FC Saxan

Luca Vido (ST): One of the few players who’ve made a move to the Serie A. After impressing out on loan at Citadella in Serie B and for the Italy U20s in the World Cup this summer, he’s earned himself a move to Atalanta for €1million.

Andrea Petagna (ST): Scored the equalizer, and is now also plying his trade at Atalanta, but not before he had unsuccessful loan spells at Sampdoria, Latina and Vicenza, before finally striking gold during a loan at Ascoli. Currently the only player in this team that has maintained a starting position in the Serie A

SUBS

Michael Fabbro (ST): Came on to score the goal that put us ahead and was the third sending off late into the match. Soon after moved to Serie C club Bassano where he plays to this day

Davide Pinato (LB): Moved to Serie B clubs Vicenza, Latina and now Venezia. He’s been a squad player at each club

Stefan Simic (CB): Went out on loan in 14/15 to (at the time) Serie B club Varese and started a solid 15 games for them in all competitions. Injuries hampered his progression the following year, but he ended up on loan again last year to Belgian first division club Royal Mouscron where he played 32 games. He also went to the U21 Euros and was in the team of the tournament despite the Czech team not making it past the group stage. Now back at Milan, an injury before preseason has hindered his challenge for a spot in the squad, and the future is unclear for the youngster.

Tags AC Milan Alessandro Mastalli Andrea Petagna Andrej Modic Davide Calabria Italy Ivan De Santis Luca Vido Milan News Rossoneri Serie A Zan Benedicic
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