The growing trend of promoting young talent in Milan’s first team is becoming a welcomed norm. Last season, several players made their mark, including Jimenez, Zeroli, Simic, Traorè, Camarda, and Bartesaghi. However, the summer of 2024 has shone a spotlight on two promising youngsters: Lorenzo Torriani and Mattia Liberali. At ages 19 and 17, respectively, they represent the success of the club’s grassroots development efforts.
Lorenzo Torriani, a goalkeeper, and Mattia Liberali, an attacking midfielder, have distinct backgrounds and stories. Torriani’s rise is particularly remarkable. Last season, he was the third-choice goalkeeper for the Primavera team coached by Abate. However, due to an injury to Sportiello, he was called up by head coach Fonseca for the team’s tour in the United States. Torriani found himself starting against football giants like Manchester City, Real Madrid, and Barcelona. Despite his youth, the Milan-born shot-stopper handled the pressure with remarkable composure, leading to crucial saves, including a penalty stop against Barcelona that helped secure a victory in the tour’s final match.
Torriani’s impressive displays have not gone unnoticed. Last Tuesday, he featured again, coming on in the second half during the Trofeo Berlusconi against Monza. He continued to showcase his abilities with another standout performance, saving a shot from Birindelli, earning him praise from Pavlovic.
On the other hand, Mattia Liberali is capturing the hearts of Rossoneri fans with his exciting role as a trequartista. Known for his creativity and speed, Liberali is adept at finding space and orchestrating plays. After shining in a wing role for the Primavera team, he has been utilized in a central position in Bonera’s 4-2-3-1 system. Liberali is not new to the spotlight, as he has already made waves with the Italy U17 team, playing a key role in their European Championship triumph.
As for their future with the first team, Torriani will officially join the first team squad and could serve as a backup to Maignan until Sportiello returns. Meanwhile, Liberali is primarily linked to the Milan Futuro team, yet Fonseca has expressed a desire to integrate talents like him into the first team whenever possible. He acknowledged the challenge of having many players but emphasized the importance of giving young talents opportunities to develop.
With both players potentially set to receive first-team call-ups, including possibly as soon as Saturday against Torino, they symbolize the future of AC Milan. In a squad that may increasingly comprise foreign talents, Torriani and Liberali are seen as vital components in maintaining the Italian identity of the club, at a time when Milan has struggled to produce homegrown players for the national team.