UNDER 17S, PLAYOFF HOPES

You must always believe, especially when a target is within reach. Finishing in a playoff place would be an excellent achievement for AC Milan’s Under-17s. In order to do so, they will have plenty to do if and when the league season resumes. Above all, they will need to find consistency in terms of results. While the team have regularly produced good performances, they haven’t always been able to pick up the amount of points they were hoping for.  

The Rossoneri currently sit in seventh place in the league with a game in hand. Should they win that match, they’d move to within three points of a playoff place. So far, the Diavolo have won seven, drawn four and lost eight of the 19 fixtures they’ve played. Considering the team’s ability, this 25-point haul isn’t enough: there have been too many up and down moments this campaign.

The Coach, Stefano Bellinzaghi, who arrived in the summer of 2018 and is coaching this age group for the second consecutive year, has touched on why this is the case: “We’ve had to switch things up a bit: we’ve often been short on numbers as a result of particularly unfortunate incidents. We’ve adapted, worked very hard and managed to overcome these difficulties, recently recording five away wins in a row. Some of the lads are coming on really well, there are some excellent prospects. It’s a real shame that that this progress has been halted. I’d like to wish all my players and families all the best in getting through this difficult period. Most important of all at this time, I hope they are keeping healthy and maintaining a serene frame of mind.”

Particularly noteworthy is the form of El Hilali, who is AC Milan’s top goalscorer having netted 18 of the team’s 34 goals this season. It’s an impressive total, and he’s definitely one to keep an eye on.

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.