AC Milan's young left-back, Davide Bartesaghi, who made his professional debut this season (and also signed his first professional contract) said the following words to Calciomercato.com in an exclusive interview:
What does wearing the Azzurri jersey and representing Italy mean to you?
"The Azzurri and Italy mean everything. Clearly, they represent my country, and it's an honour to wear this jersey. The respect for this jersey comes above all else. I sweat every day on the field for these moments."
You're an attacking full-back, have you always played in this position or did you find yourself there? Do you prefer a back four or a back three? Bartesaghi said:
"Actually, when I was young at Atalanta, I started as a striker, then at Milan, I played as a winger. But in my career, I've played in many roles. I've been a midfielder and occasionally a central defender. Today, if I can choose, I prefer playing as a pure full-back in a back four, but I'm versatile and can comfortably play as the left wing-back in a back three."
Speaking of your position, do you have a player or players you look up to? What's your relationship like with Theo Hernandez, whom you train with every day?
"I have to say that definitely Theo is my reference point. I pick him because he's ahead of me at this moment, and I can learn a lot from him. Today, I consider myself lucky to work alongside him. The relationship? I'd say it's really good."
You're now a regular part of Stefano Pioli's first team. What's your relationship like with the coach? How did you feel when they told you that? Bartesaghi answered:
"When the coach called me to inform that I would be part of the tour two years ago and would be included in the first team this year, it was all unexpected and honestly very fast. At first, my legs were trembling in the initial days, but then I understood that this is what I had been working for all along, so I stepped onto the field and gave my best. Pioli is a very serious person, he never points fingers but tries to explain. I'm fortunate that he's a mentor as he was a defender himself, and he's giving me a lot of advice on defending."
Can you describe the emotion of your debut with Milan?
"I'll tell you that just being included in the first team was unexpected, so to think that from there I found myself making my debut... It was a unique emotion, at San Siro... Surely it was all unexpected, but it's what I want to do in life, so the emotion fades."
Is it true that when you were young, you said no to Atalanta for Milan because of your dad who supports the Rossoneri?
"It should be said that before Milan, I spent two years at Atalanta. Simply, when there was the possibility to choose, I made my own choice based on principle because I felt better after the trial at Milan. My dad's support didn't have anything to do with it", said Bartesaghi.
What's the goal or a dream that you place in front of you?
"I would say my biggest dream right now is to lift a trophy with Milan. I want to try to win the league and the Champions League. With Italy, the dream is to receive a call-up to the senior national team."
