Brocchi: It is time for Italy to develop our youngsters

Date: 16th October 2014 at 12:28pm
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Former AC Milan, Lazio, and Fiorentina midfielder Cristian Brocchi is looking forward to the weekend’s Serie A encounter between the Viola and the Biancocelesti.

Currently working as a coach in the Rossoneri’s youth sector, Brocchi has also commented on his club’s Primavera side.

“The Primavera of Milan? There is great visibility, and your work is amplified for better or for worse,” he told Radio Blu.

“[Hachim] Mastour? I have never coached him but he has huge technical qualities, but right now it’s just a media thing. The boy has important qualities, but has yet so much to see.

“Fiorentina-Lazio? I’m curious to see this game as the Viola and [coach Vincenzo] Montella has always shown great desire. Even Lazio are starting to show their identity as a team, so we should expect to see an open game. I think it will be a great game.

“The race for third place? There is no favourite just yet, but whoever succeeds in putting in strong and successful performances during the season manages to get third place.”

The retired midfielder then shared his thoughts on the development of youngsters in Italy and how the youth systems at football clubs are now more significant than ever.

“For several years, many teams, due to their economic strengths, had not designed a proper plan for young players. The time now is ideal, given the period of crisis in Italian football, so everyone comes to think of youngsters.

“At the Primavera, coaches work hard to train players for the first team. It will take a few more years before you see the results.”

The 38-year-old then spoke of Fiorentina pair Khouma Babacar and Federico Bernardeschi, Genoa striker Alessandro Matri, and Viola skipper Manuel Pasqual.

“Babacar and Bernardeschi are ready for Serie A. It is difficult for youngsters to take the weight of the team on their shoulders, but they are showing their true potential.

“Matri? At Juventus, the numbers show that he was among the best in his role, but he was a big disappointment at Milan. Unfortunately for him, things did not change at Fiorentina either.

“It is now time for him to try and get back to his level, and I’m sure that he will go into double figures this season.

“Pasqual? In Florence, Manuel feels at home. His desire is to finish his career in Florence. However, unfortunately, nothing is certain in football.

“For me, Serie A will soon return stronger.”

Having made over 400 league appearances in Italian league football, Cristian Brocchi managed only one international cap in his 20-year-long career.

 

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