Marco Pellegrino is working well in his homeland. After an experience in Italy, where, for various reasons, he was unable to showcase his abilities, he is starting over at home. And at Huracán, after a complicated experience at Independiente, he is relaunching himself. He is the linchpin of the defense, and his performances are becoming increasingly convincing. He remains under contract with Milan, and his dream is to return, stronger than ever, to prove he deserves the Rossoneri shirt. Here are his words, exclusively for MilanNews.it.
Marco Pellegrino, at Huracán, you have found the continuity you needed. And good performances as well.
"It's going well. I'm happy to be playing all the games as a starter, and my family is happy too. I'm getting some satisfaction; I even scored a goal against Boca Juniors. Yes, I'm happy."
A decisive change of direction after the recent difficulties at Independiente.
"It was a tough period at Independiente. But now I'm fine, focusing on training and working well with this team. I'm always mentally focused, and the results are coming."
From Independiente to Huracán, is there less pressure?
"The atmosphere is calmer, and I'm close to my family. The fans are supporting us. And on Sunday, we have the most intense match for us, the derby against San Lorenzo. We'll need to stay focused—it will be beautiful."
What is your goal?
"To climb the standings and try to win the championship. We want to fight for the top positions."
And your personal goal?
"To play all the games, improve, and return to Milan stronger. I would like to go back."
What has Milan told you?
"That I need to play, that I'm young and have to gain experience."
Are you disappointed about leaving the Rossoneri?
"You know, in Milan, I probably wouldn't have had the playing time I needed. It's better to play consistently, gain experience, and improve. I have to learn, even from mistakes. And if in the future there's a chance to return, I'll definitely be a more experienced player."
Your six months in red and black were unlucky.
"I only played one game, against Napoli, and I got injured. But training with Theo, Giroud, Maignan was a unique experience, a dream. When I think about it, I want to go back—I want to return as a stronger player, ready to compete."
In Naples, everything went wrong... Pellegrino commented:
"I didn't expect to come on; everything happened too fast. Kalulu got injured, and Pioli told me: 'Marco, go.' It was a tough night—I even got injured. And I'm sorry that the image fans have of me is from that match, without me getting another chance. I dreamed of playing at San Siro, maybe knowing in advance so I could mentally prepare."
Was the jump from Platense to Milan too big?
"There is definitely a big difference. I remember when they called me—I couldn't believe it. I told myself, 'This isn't real.' But once I realized it was true, I didn't hesitate to fly to Italy."
You speak excellent Italian, congratulations. Considering that there are still players who, after years in Italy, express themselves in another language, it's quite an achievement.
"I tried not to be unprepared—I studied Italian for two months. And day by day, thanks to the help of my Italian teammates, like Calabria and Pobega, I integrated and learned the language."
You also have Italian roots, as your surname suggests.
"True, my grandfather is from Calabria."
Your relationship with Stefano Pioli?
"Pioli is great. He spoke to me every day, encouraged me. He told me to stay calm, to wait, and that sooner or later, I would play. Then the injury came."
To get playing time, you moved to Salerno.
"At Milan, they told me that if I wanted more space, I had to go elsewhere. The opportunity at Salernitana came up. Complicated months—three or four different coaches, and we kept losing. Of course, I got to play and gain experience, but it was a tough situation."
Are you following Milan?
"Of course."
How do you rate this season?
"There have been difficult moments, but the transfer market has brought in quality players like João Félix and Giménez."
With the latter, you'll be able to speak Spanish, Pellegrino:
"I hope so soon (laughs)."
What differences have you noticed between Argentine football and Serie A?
"The difference is clear. In Serie A, everyone is strong and physical. But the biggest difference is tactics. In Argentina, there's no lack of quality, technique, and also speed. But tactically, the difference with Italy is significant."
Which player from the Argentine league would you recommend?
"Franco Mastantuono, an attacking midfielder from River Plate. He's 17 years old and has great quality."
Which Serie A players have impressed you?
"De Ketelaere has great technique—he's a great player. And then Mateo Retegui, he's really good."
Is it true you could have become a tennis player?
"Yes, until I was 13, I split my time between tennis and football. I was good with a racket too. But at a certain point, things got serious in both sports, and I had to choose."
Your favorite tennis player?
"My idol is (Juan Martin) Del Potro—he's a legend for us Argentines."
And Jannik Sinner, who also is a Milan fan?
"A great tennis player. I was lucky enough to see him at San Siro too."
Which is more intimidating, La Bombonera or San Siro? Pellegrino replied:
"With all due respect, San Siro is the best."
After this year in your homeland, do you feel ready to return to Serie A?
"Yes, I feel ready. I'm gaining experience, and that's what I wanted. My first time in Italy was difficult, I was also immature. Of course, I'm still young, but I feel like I have more experience now."
What would you like to say to Milan fans?
"That playing for Milan is a dream for me, and coming back would be something beautiful."
