EXCLUSIVE Former youth Fabbro: 'Donnarumma destined for greatness', 'Milan abandoned Inzaghi'
Do you still dream of playing for Milan?
I'm only thinking of playing well here, but I'll think of Milan once I've made progress and achieved certain career objectives. I'll be happy to return.
You've also played for Italy's Under-18 and Under-17 sides...
It's a great experience to have as a youngster but it's got nothing to do with being a professional, and shouldn't fool anyone into believing they're already a player. I think the National side only counts from the Under-21 level onwards
After the departure of many of last year's Viareggio and Final Eight squad, this year Cristian Brocchi's team has struggled after many of its key players left. How do you explain this?
I saw that they began badly, but they recently beat Cagliari and are on the way up. There are years when the squad isn't as united, and having a close dressing room is essential. I hope they solve all of their problems, Brocchi is very good and knows how to sort things out.
It was Brocchi who spoke of a generational clash between the Class of '97 and that of '98: were you expecting these teething problems?
The 1998 group is a bit arrogant, they know they're individually good, but that's where the problem lies. The '97 group - which has a lot of quality - needs to help the '98s understand that they're all in this together, that a team plays as a unit, that the Primavera is nothing but the beginning of a journey, and certainly not the end. They need to understand that they have to fight for their chance just like everyone else".
Were you expecting defender Ivan de Santis to score five goals this season?
No! Not that he doesn't deserve to, but it's surprising for a defender to score so many goals, I'll have to ask him for his secret! (laughs)
Is Manuel Locatelli (a '98) ready to play for Milan's first team?
He was already very good when I was there. I think it's fair that he has his shot with the first team, but I can't say whether he's ready, I don't think even he knows. I hope he can handle the pressure and do well".
What do you feel when you see Davide Calabria ('96 class) and Gianluigi Donnarumma ('99) play with Milan's senior team?
They were very good, and lucky to remain with Milan and make the most of their moment, they took their chance, nobody gave them anything. Gigio.. it's odd seeing him with the first team, but the way in which he trained and spoke, one felt he was destined for greatness. Of course, I wasn't expecting him to go this far this soon, but he's been very good and he's deserved everything that's come his way".
In a recent interview, the Head of Milan's Youth setup, Filippo Galli, remembered how Filippo Inzaghi was key to your growth: what do you have to say about his teachings, and about the difficulties he had last year as coach of the First Team?
"It's true, Inzaghi helped me a lot, he's a striker and really taught me a lot. Last years he struggled with Milan, but I wouldn't blame him: he wasn't given the support he needed, and he was abandoned".
