U17, U16 AND U15: THE PLAY‑OFF PATH

It was a great start to the season, but the best is yet to come. The first phase of their group stage is over for the three Rossoneri Youth Sector teams who have been involved in different national leagues: Giovanni Renna's Under-17s, Simone Baldo's Under-16s and Lorenzo Cresta's Under-15s. They are three teams whose hard work has qualified them for the knockout phase, which could eventually see them lift the Scudetto.

The Under-17s, born in 2008, came second in a competitive Group B. There were several players who made the step up to higher levels: not only to the Under-18s and the Primavera, but also to the Milan Futuro team, take goalkeeper Matteo Pittarella for example. Renna's boys ended the season with Italy's second-best attack - only Juventus had a better record - with 75 goals scored and 29 coming from Lontani (15) and La Mantia (14). Their great season earned them an automatic spot in the quarter-finals where they will play a tricky Empoli side: the away leg in Tuscany will be on June 1, with the away leg in Milan on June 8. If they qualify, they may face Juventus in the Semi-final.

Baldo's Under-16s finished in fifth place - but it was a very crowded table. Our 2009-born side ended on 44 points, equal with Cremonese in fourth place, in a very exciting sprint for play-off spots. They found the way to goal in 17 games, and Pietro Avogadro is their top scorer on 14. Their Round of 16 tie will be truly fascinating as it will be in the Derby against Inter: the Nerazzurri won Group B on 53 points (one more than Monza) but the Derby has been very balanced this season with both teams winning 1-0 in their home game. The first game will be at the Vismara on Sunday 27 April, and the return leg will be away a week later. 

Cresta's Under-15s finished in second place. They are a team with great numbers - the third-best attack and second-best defence in the country - and 2010-born Borsa and 2011-born Jadid have really stood out with 19 and 27 goals respectively in 26 matchdays this season. Their Round of 16 clash will be played on Sunday 4 May (with the return leg on 11 May) and they will have the same opposition as the Under-17s: Empoli, who will play at home first. If the Rossoneri get through, they would play the winner of Roma v Como. The stage is set, and now we must close the year by approaching these three play-offs in the best way possible.

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