Novara goalkeeper Francesco Bardi has been on loan with the Serie B club from Inter for the past season, but hopes to gain a shot at top league play.
The Azzurrini starting ‘keeper has helped his team get into the UEFA Under-21 European Championship final against Spain with some impressive saves, but hasn’t been given much of a chance in his career to build his talents in Italy’s top league.
Bardi spoke to La Gazzetta dello Sport about his desire to grow more as player, preferably in Serie A.
“Nobody from Inter has called me,” said the 21-year-old.
“I think that they would like to send me to gain experience at another club and I would prefer that solution.
“If that team is in Serie A then that would be better.”
Italy’s Under-21 squad have been showcasing their skills throughout their European Championship campaign, but many of the players still belong to Serie B clubs.
“There needs to be a change of mentality in Italy,” he continued. “Us Under-21 boys can have our say in the Italian top flight.”
Bardi was first signed by Inter in 2011 through a co-ownership deal with Livorno and played with their Under-20 youth squad for part of the 2010-2011 season. He was returned to Livorno for the 2011-2012 campaign, then fully bought out by the Nerazzurri in the summer of 2012, and sent on loan to current club Novara.
