Giampaolo Pazzini believes that Francesco Camarda is the future of AC Milan and Italy, while Charles De Ketelaere is a player they might wish they still had.
Pazzini knows about wearing both the black and blue and the red and black shirts. He came through the youth sector at Atalanta and established himself in the first team there before moving to Atalanta, then Fiorentina, then Sampdoria.
A switch to Inter following in 2011 but he spent just one season on that side of the city before switching to the red side, joining Milan in a deal involving Antonio Cassano going the other way.
Pazzini gave an interview to La Gazzetta dello Sport published on the day of the game between his two former clubs, and he previewed it at length. He spoke about the idea that Milan let go of CDK too easily, while judging the signings of Alvaro Morata and Tammy Abraham.
Charles De Ketelaere’s development has been sensational, given what he showed at Milan…
“In the meantime, let’s say that there is still room for improvement. His qualities were actually already visible at Milan, but he arrived there very young, under a lot of pressure and had received a lot of criticism. Now he is in an environment where he has been given trust and continuity.”
In your opinion, deep down, is Milan missing him?
“In hindsight I would say yes, he can be considered a regret.”
Milan have improved recently, but Fonseca’s work is far from complete…
“In my opinion, his work is good. He was also under a lot of pressure before he even arrived, and then again afterwards. He is in the crosshairs, and when you are, it is not easy to work calmly. He has had great victories, but he has lacked the consistency that could have given him calm.
“We can also add that the squad in terms of the market can be improved, especially in relation to the top-notch objectives that a club like Milan has.”
As a centre forward, you would have had fun against this year’s Rossoneri defence…
“Confidence does a lot in players. If Milan were to have a good run of important results, many plays would be made with more enthusiasm and serenity, and they would concede fewer goals. It could also be a problem of lack of communication.”
Could Alvaro Morata be a successful signing?
“Certainly yes. He’s not a 20-22 goal striker but I really like the work he does for the team. He plays for his teammates, he has a CV, depth, experience.”
Photos By Marco Luzzani/Getty Images
Is Tammy Abraham just a gamble or can he become something more?
“I like him too. When they played in tandem with Morata, he was able to provide that electricity that was sometimes missing. It’s a purchase that I absolutely approve of.”
With Leao, Fonseca preferred to be the strict teacher rather than the understanding parent: was this the right choice?
“The coach said he tried two different ways to manage him and now it seems that Rafa has become more decisive… On the other hand, that was the objective, he is a player who has to make the difference given his talent. If Fonseca has chosen a particular path it is because he has his good reasons.”
Milan have players like Christian Pulisic who – like De Ketelaere at Atalanta – are experiencing growth due to new surroundings…
“I appreciate him not only because he is a player who determines, but because he is always there. He always performs, you know you have him both in the offensive and defensive phase. A player so consistent is essential for the team.”
And then there’s Francesco Camarda, what is his potential?
“I really like him. I’ve spoken to him a couple of times, he’s a good guy, he’s hungry, it’s something incredible for his age. He needs to be given time to grow without excessive pressure, but he will definitely be the future. Not just at Milan but also in the national team.”
Atalanta have the best attack of the tournament and Milan have scored 15 goals in their last five games: could there be a goal fest in Bergamo?
“Yes. They have always been games with a lot of goals, among other things. Atalanta playing at home will have a particular charge, but Milan has shown they are there in the big matches. I expect a vibrant, fun, open game, with a rich scoreboard.”