VIPITENO - From the U17s and U18s training camp, Elite Academy director Roberto Samaden has been looking ahead to the new season, one which will see the Nerazzurri’s youth sector play a prominent role: “We’re continuing to try to grow, even if our youth sector has reached really high levels in recent years. The Club continues to believe in us, and therefore it’s up to us to keep on improving. This requires us to be aware of how strong we are but without ever resting on our laurels. We need to think that it’s possible to build something big and make our lads develop every day, bit by bit.”
As regards the U18 league season, he had this to say: “Finally, there will be a division for the U18s. We’ve set out with the idea to create a unified and cohesive working group together with the U19s. Coach Zanchetta also took part in the Primavera’s training camp in Pinzolo. The two teams will work in harmony and with the same objectives in mind. Our aim was to have staff that could help the lads in terms of their development as quickly as possible.”
Samaden also talked about the changes that have been made: “Cristian Chivu demonstrated that he’s got great credentials this past year, and this year he’ll have the opportunity to develop his skills further with the U17s. Meanwhile, Andrea Zanchetta will coach another age group (the U18s) after three extraordinary years with the U17s. Furthermore, there have been welcome returns – Paolo Orlandoni is back – and new arrivals, including Nicola Beati. We’re carrying on with the idea – one which has the backing of Director Piero Ausilio – of looking for people who have been involved in our Elite Academy and who therefore know what it means to develop wearing the Nerazzurri colours. We’re convinced we have a cohesive, high-quality working group with strong Nerazzurri DNA,” the Director concluded.
