For several months there have been reports about AC Milan’s desire to register an U23 team in Serie C from next season, and we can reveal that some good news has arrived.
Calcio e Finanza recently reported that Milan are preparing to put on the table a total investment of €12m for the second team project. The plan is to create a large player pool of 50-55 across the first team and U23s.
The guidelines and playing style of the U23 will be aligned with the Milan style (from the academy to the first team, same sporting vision and same playing principles). The investment will be made with the belief that the cost will pay for itself with medium-term returns.
The Rossoneri also intend to take care of any improvements to the facility where the U23s will play, to create a stadium that is up to par. It is likely to be the Stadio Solbiate Arno, for which Milan made over €700k available in order to make the necessary improvements for Serie C.
However, there was always a problem that needed to be overcome: while Milan went through all the formal processes to show they were ready to set up a B-team, it required a club to fail to register for Serie C next season.
Several clubs at risk of having their spot revoked in recent days have found the resources to be able to obtain a spot. A few days after registration closed, therefore, the Rossoneri’s chances of being able to get a place in Serie C were reduced.
As our colleagues at SempreMilan.it report though, Ancona will announce its exclusion on Friday, having finished 16th in the league last season. It is vital news which opens the doors to Milan U23 who will therefore be officially registered from next year, barring any twists.
The new Serie C season should begin on August 11th with the first two rounds of the Coppa Italia qualification process and subsequently on the weekend of the 23rd, 24th and 25th of August the league campaign will begin.
Presuming that they directly take Ancona’s place, Milan U23s will play Group C which is ‘South and Islands’ geographically, not ideal logistically. The teams are as follows:
Altamura (promoted), Avellino, Benevento, Casertana, Catania, Cavese (promoted), Cerignola, Crotone, Foggia, Giugliano, Messina, Milan U23, Monopoli, Picerno, Potenza, Sorrento, Taranto, Ternana (relegated), Trapani (promoted) , Turris.
The Rossoneri will be coached by Daniele Bonera and the director will be Jovan Kirovski. They could have some very exciting talents among their ranks next season such as Francesco Camarda, Mattia Liberali, Diego Sia, Filippo Scotti and more.
Sorry for Ancona, actually.
Yep very sorry 🙁
This would have happened to them anyway though, so at least it’s not like we are booting them out.
It’s utterly stupid that we have to play in the south division, and mostly unfair on the other teams who now have to make a trip north of Milan.
What happens if someone else wants to get in on the act next season? At some point the league are going to have to let more than one u23 team compete in the same division – why do this for the sake of balance?
It’s weird, but better than nothing. We need to have a U-23 Team and probably should have tried sooner. This way we won’t lose youth talents.
Sucks for Ancona, but this is great news for us. This could help our youth system and talent development in a big way.
Can we just get this out of the way so Camarda can sign, already.
Thank you and sorry Ancona.
Obviously you haven’t been following closely. Camarda has already signed.