Davide Bartesaghi’s rise over the past couple of seasons has seen him become part of the first team squad at AC Milan, and he spoke about the journey he has been on to this point.
Bartesaghi became one of Ignazio Abate’s most trusted performers in the left-back role, and given that Milan did not sign a new deputy to Theo Hernandez in the summer window the decision was made to keep him in the senior squad.
At present he remains with the first team working under the orders Stefano Pioli and his growth has allowed him to join the Italian youth national teams too, and he is a starter for the U19 side of the Azzurri with hopes of progressing up the ranks.
Calciomercato.com interviewed the young defender to talk about his journey to this point as well as learning from Theo Hernandez and what kind of a future he sees with Milan.
Can you tell us a little about your origins? What does the Blue and Italy mean to you?
“The Azzurri and Italy are everything. They clearly represent my country and it is an honour to wear this shirt. Respect for this shirt comes first. In fact, I sweat every day on the pitch for these moments.”
You are a full-back with great drive, have you always played in this role or have you found yourself in it? Is a four-man or a three-man defence better?
“Actually, when I was little at Atalanta I started out as a striker, then at Milan I was a winger. However, in my career I have covered many roles. I was a midfielder and, when necessary, a central defender.
“Today, if I have the choice, I prefer to play in a four-man defence as a pure full-back, but I’m flexible and can easily play on the left arm in a three-man defence.”
Speaking of the role, do you have a player or more that you look up to? What is your relationship with Theo Hernandez with whom you train every day?
“I must say that Theo is definitely my point of reference. I take him because he is in front of me at the moment and I can learn a lot from him. Today I can consider myself quite lucky to work alongside him. The relationship? I would say very good.”
You are now a permanent part of Pioli’s first team. What is your relationship with the coach? How did you feel when they told you?
“When the coach called me to tell me that I would be taking part in the tour two years ago and that I would be joining the first team this year, it was all unexpected and honestly everything was very fast.
“At the beginning, the first few days my legs were shaking, But then I realised that this is what I had always been working for and so I entered the field and gave my all.
“Pioli is a very serious person, who never points fingers but tries to explain to you. I’m lucky enough that he is a master given that he was a defender and is giving me a lot of advice on how to defend.”
Can you tell us about the emotion of your debut with Milan?
“I tell you that the fact of being added to the first team was not expected, to think that from there I found myself making my debut… It was a unique emotion, San Siro… It was certainly all unexpected, but it was what I want to do in life so the emotion passes.”
Is it true that as a child you said no to Atalanta for Milan due to the ‘fault’ of your father who supports the Rossoneri?
“No, it must be said that before Milan I spent two years at Atalanta, simply when there was the possibility to choose I made my choice, in principle because I felt better after the trial at Milan. My Dad’s support had nothing to do with it.”
What is the goal or dream you have in front of you?
“I would say that my biggest dream now is to lift a trophy with Milan. I would say that I want to try to win the Scudetto and the Champions League. With Italy the dream is to get a call-up to the senior national team.”
