Davide Bartesaghi, in an interview, opened up about his emotions for the much-anticipated derby this Sunday and his dream to be a starter in it. He also spoke about the U-21 Italy national team among other topics.
Question: you return from the national team well trained.
"Yes, I played both matches, but I had already played in the league, so I am arriving in good rhythm."
In your case, the left foot... Bartesaghi replied:
"Sure, but now the right too, otherwise it is a problem if I do not know how to use both," he told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
You return home and the derby awaits.
"I played many at youth level. And last year I even came on at the end of the Coppa Italia semifinal, with us 3-0 up."
This time you might start.
"It is always a pleasure. I would say a dream since I was small. I have supported Milan since I was a child and my father Daniele is a Milan supporter too. I am at the disposal of the coach and my teammates."
Speaking of teammates, what is it like to have someone like Luka Modric in the dressing room?
"He is a great champion and he is not the only one we have. We talk, he helps us. You must take him as an example, for his mentality and for the character he shows in every match."
You have often said Theo Hernandez is your model. And now that the Frenchman is no longer here?
"Well, Theo is not here anymore but he keeps playing."
So you follow him even now that he plays in Saudi Arabia? Bartesaghi answered:
"Sure, sometimes I manage to watch some clips, maybe some of his goals, or the match highlights or other videos. When I think about Serie A instead, I focus more on Spinazzola. But I am starting to think about having my own status, I am working toward that. To be Bartesaghi."
On the pitch you can be more offensive, like in Poland, or more cautious, like in Montenegro. Bartesaghi commented:
"Against Montenegro we focused more on preventive work, I always try to understand when I can push. If I see the mezzala covering me, then I can go higher."
Maybe with longer studs so you do not slip like in Montenegro...
"But the studs were new. These things happen, and the pitch was bad with all that rain and the margin for error was small. They scored because of that, but we knew how to react."
