THE CLASS OF 2004 SEEK REVENGE

It was already clear from last season that the class of 2004 were a good crop. Today’s U16s, then the U15s, almost won the Scudetto in their category and only lost out to Roma in the final after finishing first in the table, beating Bologna in the playoffs and then Genoa in the semi-final. Despite the final loss, their journey was still fantastic with some great football and big strides made. 

This season, the team restarted in that same vein with continuity despite the change of coach. Christian Lantignotti, a product of AC Milan’s youth academy, came into the dugout: “I’m proud, it’s been a great and fascinating experience. So far, our journey, the team's and mine, has been really positive. We were improving quickly, and it would have been nice to see the response from the lads at the climax of the league campaign. We all know why we’re on hold, and we hope to get back together as soon as possible and finish the job in the best way.”

At the moment, AC Milan’s U16s are in fourth place with a game in hand and the chance to go only one point from third place and two from second. After twelve wins in 18 games, 37 points, 48 goals scored and 28 conceded, the young Rossoneri will have to play their part in the latter end of the return set of fixtures. One of their main aims will be to do better in their big games, as so far the U16s are yet to beat Atalanta, Bologna, SPAL or Inter, who are the other teams battling it out at the top of the division: in fact, they’ve only managed one draw in four matches against those sides.

Striker Leonardo Rossi always leads the line and was a key player and leader even last year. Now, thanks to his 13 goals, he’s the Rossoneri’s top scorer: “We’re a great group, really close-knit and with some top individuals. We got off to a great start and maintained top spot for a while. Towards the middle of the first round of fixtures we had a small blip, but we recovered quickly. When we get back on the pitch, we can’t make any more mistakes. Our aim is to finish in the play-off spots and then win the league, which we missed out on by a whisker last year. I’d like to send a message to my peers during these important times: even if it’s difficult, we must stay at home to protect our health and that of others, especially the elderly and the most vulnerable. This is the only way we can get out of this together.”  

The Fondazione Milan has set up a fundraiser to support AREU's efforts: do your part and help us to support those who are fighting the COVID-19 emergency on a daily basis: www.gofundme.com/f/emergenza-coronavirus-ospedali.