Marco Pellegrino was one of the last summer signings made by AC Milan but he is yet to really make a mark since his switch over to Italy.
This morning’s edition of Tuttosport (via PianetaMilan) talks about the Pellegrino ‘mystery’, recalling that Stefano Pioli said a couple of weeks ago that the centre-back needs more time to adapt to his plans and a new country.
The plan for the defender could be similar to the one undertaken by Malick Thiaw. A year ago, the German was considered somewhat of a mysterious object in the Milan squad but in reality Pioli and the staff wanted to give him the proper period to prepare.
Thiaw is now an immovable starter alongside Fikayo Tomori, which provides encouragement for Pellegrino who is naturally left-footed, an important characteristic which could play in his favour.
What surprised everyone with his call-up to the Argentina national team. Despite playing zero minutes for the Rossoneri, it shows that he is firmly on the international radar and it will be both a dream come true and a confidence booster for the 21-year-old.
In the meantime, however, coach Scaloni’s move has removed the Milan defender from eligibility for the Italian national team. Now, Pellegrino’s hope is that he can explode even this season.
I think he has to play for Argentina to eliminate eligibility for Italy. Just getting selected for the squad (he didn’t even make the bench) shouldn’t rule him out; or am I wrong?
Yeah, if he didn’t play he will still eligible to play for Italy.
And even if he played in the friendly, as he is still 21 and not play at the main event (only friendly/qualification, not the world cup/Copa America) he will still be able to play for Italy if he didn’t get another call in 3 years… correct me if I’m wrong.