"When AC Milan started to look at a project to improve youth players at a senior level, the hope was that they would emerge quickly and not struggle in the third tier. Instead, most found it more challenging. Take Francesco Camarda for example, the Italian striker never really got to grips with Serie C. However, he looked calm in the top flight, and he looked strong against European competition, albeit at a youth level."
"So, when the team were relegated last season, there were frustrations about the way that things were headed. As Gazzetta dello Sport writes, via MilanPress, the project is far from failing. Camarda is now on loan in Serie A, Kevin Zeroli is with Monza in Serie B and Alex Jimenez is now a Premier League footballer. Then, there is Davide Bartesaghi, who has established himself as a starter for the first team."
"Of course, each of these players had quality before the Futuro, but their experience there has certainly helped to mature them. Even if there are only a few shining lights per year, there can be positivity. At this rate, the Futuro cannot really be considered a mistake, as it may have been last year. Especially if the pathway to the first team becomes more common and sales continue."
Last season the Milan Futuro team were relegated to Serie D. The project aimed to accelerate youth players into senior football but many struggled in Serie C. Francesco Camarda failed to adapt at Serie C yet showed composure in Serie A and in youth European competition. The pathway produced visible outcomes: Camarda is on loan in Serie A, Kevin Zeroli is with Monza in Serie B, Alex Jimenez has moved to the Premier League, and Davide Bartesaghi has become a first-team starter. The Futuro experience accelerated maturation for several players and may justify the project if pathways and transfers continue.
Read at SempreMilan
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