In a thrilling encounter between Manchester City and AC Milan, the spotlight shone on the young talents of both squads, highlighting the importance of youth in modern football. Milan’s head coach Paulo Fonseca was particularly pleased with the performance of his young players, noting that many had taken their chance to impress.
Torriani and Terracciano started the match, while Colombo’s future with the club seems uncertain. As the game progressed, substitutes Nasti, Liberali, Jimenez, and Bakoune entered the fray, with Nasti making a significant impact by scoring a crucial goal that brought the score to 3-2. Fonseca commented on the match, stating that his team wants to control possession and create space by drawing opponents in. The squad’s possession stats showcased their success, with Milan enjoying 57% of the ball—an impressive feat against a side coached by Pep Guardiola.
Fonseca praised the courage and personality of his young players, emphasizing that they had all performed well during the match. However, he acknowledged the tough decisions ahead regarding who would stay with the team for the season. While some players might find it challenging to secure playing time, like Colombo competing with established stars Morata and Jovic, others such as Liberali, Torriani, and Jimenez appear to have a better chance of making the cut.
The coach also expressed optimism about his squad’s development, pointing to areas for improvement, particularly in terms of quicker ball movement and additional solutions in midfield. Overall, Fonseca is excited about the foundation he’s building with the team.
On the flanks, key players Saelemaekers and Chukwueze are already making waves. Fonseca expressed his admiration for Alexis Saelemaekers, highlighting his versatility and quality. On the right, Samu Chukwueze discussed his progression since arriving last season. Feeling more integrated this year after joining the team from the start of pre-season, Chukwueze is eager to prove his worth and compete for a starting spot against new teammate Pulisic.
As the season unfolds, fans can expect to see a reenergized Milan, with an emphasis on youth and an ambition to play an attractive style of football. The future looks bright for both the team and its talented young players.
