Samaden: “We’re paying a lot of attention to our youth sector”

MILAN - With his exclusive interview taking place at the Sky Sport studios in Milan, director of the Nerazzurri Academy, Roberto Samaden, was today speaking after Stefano Vecchi’s side triumphed in the Supercoppa Primavera TIM less than a week ago: “To win in front of our own crowd at the Meazza was a great feeling. It is a good habit for our academy sides to be winning titles. We’ve started the year well.

“Colidio? We’ve all seen what he can do even just in this brief period of time. He has enormous potential. He’s come from a different style of football but he a lot of quality. It is easy to make comparisons with other Argentinians. He is really young and is a striker that scores goals, although he also puts in work for the team.

“I think that one of the most important things for Italian football right now is starting again from youth level. The situation is not disastrous in Italy, although the implementation of second teams could be one solution. It is also important to have sport in schools, encouraging kids to get involved a lot more, as is the case in Germany where they’re entered into a sporting programme at primary school level.

“We have an important and well-organised structure where the players can mix with the top players in the first team. The decision regarding their squad progression is made by the coach who takes into account technical direction. There is clear participation and a lot of attention placed on our academy. As for who is already ready for the first team, some players are there, for example, Vanheusden and Pinamonti. Emmers can also make it at the top.”