PRIMAVERA

One of the main objectives of Milan’s new management has been Milan’s youth talent production and so far it has not been ideal.  

Milan were relegated to Primavera 2 in the 2018/19 season after the Primavera format was revamped but shot back up to the first division thanks to performances from Daniel Maldini, Brescianni, Capanni and Lorenzo Colombo. But Milan’s lease of life in the first division hasn’t been good enough by the clubs high standards. On Tueday, Milan Primavera slumped to a 3-0 defeat against Bologna, this coming before already exited the Youth Coppa Italia after a 2-1 loss to Fiorentina 2 weeks back.

What are some of the problems plaguing the academy? Here are some factors that seem to be the reasons for Milan’s fall from grace.

1. Years of neglect: It’s no secret that Milan under Berlusconi reaped rewards of the academy but it is debatable that whether it came as a result of investments into the academy. Rather it was more of seedlings that were planted before the time of the former Italian Prime minister’s stint as owner where the club saw legends like Galli, Albertini, Maldini and Barest come through from the academy. But after this golden period, the effect of Milan Primavera on the XI was zero. Berlusconi bankrolled massive transfers and an influx of world class players meant very few chances for young players and hence they would try their luck elsewhere. The cracks finally showed after Milan’s last UEFA triumph when Berlusconi could no longer compete with the financial muscle of wealthy Arab owners. Milan did make an attempt to resurrect the Primavera towards the last stage of Berlusconi’s tenure and this saw talents like Calabria, Cutrone, Donnarumma, Mattia De Sciglio and Locatelli emerge. Most of these players are from Inzaghi’s Milan Primavera team.

• Instability: Milan have changed their U-19 coaches as often as they have changed their senior team coach. Giovanni Stroppa, Aldo Dolcetti, Filippo Inzaghi, Cristian Brocchi, Stefano Nava, Gattuso, Alessandro Lupi and Frederico Giunti are the coaches Milan have employed over the last decade. The constant chopping and changing of coaches have failed to bring a lack of stability into the side and affects mentality in a young fragile dressing room

• No modernization: It is no secret that some of the best academies in the world are borne from the best scouting system and recently a more modern approach to developing players. Data analysis and modern equipment to prepare players to fit the modern style of football where athleticism is combined with tactical knowledge, you can see how stars are breaking out into first teams at young ages more frequently than earlier. However at Milan other than Donnarumma and Calabria very few players seem to break out into top category of teams with most of them being mid-table players most of their careers.

CONCLUSION

Gazidis has reiterated that Milan’s focus is on a mix between experience and youth and to search for low cost options. The Primavera is a real goldmine of talent and Milan are yet to take out any benefit from this particular part of the club. If the club wishes to progress to a sustainable model then Milan needs a revamp in the Primavera area