Former match analyst of Hellas Verona, Luca Diddi, sat down with those at Milan News to discuss Filippo Terracciano who is linked with a move to the Rossoneri.
Here are his words as describes the 20-year-old Italian talent:
"He participated in the summer training camp with the first team, initially just to make up the numbers. From the early friendly matches, he started performing well. We played him as a right winger in a midfield of five, after a Primavera season where he played as a central midfielder in a 4-3-3 formation. He had the engine, strength, stamina, intelligence, and consistently performed well in physical tests. There was a turning point: we had to decide whether to loan him to Serie B or keep him in the squad. Based on evaluations, we chose to keep him because we thought he could provide significant assistance. And that's exactly what happened. Over time, he even outperformed established players like (Darko) Lazovic and (Josh) Doig."
He continued to talk about Terracciano saying:
"Do you know who he slightly reminds me of as a player? Massimo Oddo. He has some similar characteristics. He needs to improve defensively, but mentally, he's a genuine player. After games, he always asked me to send him videos of the matches right on the bus, to understand his mistakes and areas for improvement; he wanted to be informed about opponents, training sessions, how to play, and attack the depth. He's very focused. A player so methodical and punctual... He was always the first to ask me to download the matches for him to review as soon as he got on the bus. He's a well-mannered guy, a guy worthy of Milan."
In what position do you see him at Milan?
"He can be an alternative to Calabria initially, he can be an option as a high wide player in case of a defensive approach to the game like Saelemaekers did last year. He can comfortably play as a central midfielder in a 4-3-3 or in a 3-5-2 formation. Both on the right and left. He started as a midfielder; he has a good basic technique. In my opinion, he struggles a bit with the defensive aspect at the moment..."
Alex Jimenez performed really well (vs Cagliari). Would you still recommend Filippo Terracciano to Milan?
"I'm not surprised that Milan might go for Terracciano. I really liked Alex Jimenez, a lot indeed: Milan, at this point, should aim for him. He has a carefree attitude and timing in his aggression: for a full-back or a winger, having good timing in aggression is not a given... He has pace, stamina: I was genuinely impressed by Jimenez. The investment for Terracciano wouldn't be massive; he's a 2003 class, he has strength, more experience than Jimenez, so... Investing in a young player is always a wise move if handled well."
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