Fans of the Rossoneri survived another difficult season as they fell to the middle of the Serie A standings, finishing in 10th place with just 52 points. That’s a big drop for a team that’s used to much bigger and better things. While the club intends to invest heavily in turning around its fortunes through the summer transfer window, they will also get some help in the form of a strong youth setup.
The Primavera team won the Torneo di Viareggio last year and after giving some of his young stars their first taste of Serie A action, the AC Milan manager is intent on bringing up more young blood. Here is a look at five young players that could play for AC Milan next season.
Hachim Mastour, Striker
Mastour has been on AC Milan’s first team for just over a year now and while he hasn’t seen much action for the Rossoneri, he could be close to breaking through. Mastour is still just 16 years old but he will be 17 by the time the season starts. He has had plenty of experience going up against first-team players in practice. Mastour needs the opportunity to prove that he is the future up front and after working with the team the past couple of years, he is definitely ready for his shot as a potential game changer in the coming seasons.
Andrea Petagna, Striker
Petagna is exactly the type of power forward that AC Milan needs up front as a 6’2’’ striker who is certainly ready for his opportunity to showcase his skills at the highest level in Italy. Offense was a bit of an issue for Milan as six other teams scored more than the 56 goals they tallied a season ago.
Petagna looked set to play on the first-team roster two years ago but he was sent to Sampdoria on loan after the team acquired Alessandro Matri from Juventus. Last year, he never got the opportunity he wanted. The Rossoneri are reportedly close to bringing on Jackson Martinez but even if they do, we have to think the 19-year-old Petagna is close to getting his shot with AC Milan as a no-cost option that can provide depth up front.
Alessandro Mastalli, Midfielder
The captain of the Primavera last season earned a cameo with the Rossoneri at the end of last season and considering his skill level and experience as a 20-year-old that has thrived with the youth team, it will only be a matter of time before Mastalli gets his shot. Mastalli will turn 20 in February and he won’t be eligible to play with the Primavera, so an opportunity with the big club appears to be on the horizon. If he delivers, he will have his chance to stick with AC Milan.
Sebastian Gamarra, Midfielder
Gaarra will gain some important experience playing with Bolivia’s Copa America team this summer but at 18 years old, the Rossoneri can afford to be a little more patient with the youngster. AC Milan has compiled some quality young talent and while Gamarra is probably capable of making the leap to the Serie A already, the team has no reason to rush him rather than allow him to gain a year of experience with the Primavera.
Simone Verdi, Striker
Verdi has been co-owned by AC Milan over the last couple of seasons but Italy banned co-ownership last summer and that means a decision on Verdi has to be made by the end of this summer’s transfer window. Verdi is certainly ready for his opportunity and he would likely see an opportunity at AC Milan if he stays but the biggest question now is how his co-ownership is resolved. Verdi could very well end up at Torino next year and while we don’t know where he is headed, we do know that he will see playing time in the Serie A next season regardless of where he goes.
