AC Milan may be all high and mighty right now, but there’s one Italian name Adriano Galliani wishes he could add to his AC Milan teamsheet: that of Simone Verdi.
The Bologna midfielder has been grabbing headlines for weeks now with his positive displays, smashing in spectacular goals against Sampdoria and Sassuolo.
What isn’t often mentioned is that the 24-year-old used to play for Milan’s youth setup, before beginning a long journey which took him to Juve Stabia, Empoli, Eibar and Carpi. Believed by some to have lost his way, the midfielder toughened up during his travels, learning that he needed to give 110% if he was going to survive, and that his indisputable class wasn’t going to be enough.
Remembered in Milan for pulling off Ronaldinho-like magic, Verdinho made his Rossoneri debut aged 17 against Novara in the 2011 Coppa Italia.
Now an untouchable cog in Roberto Donadoni’s Bologna, Verdi is now seen as a potential surprise inclusion by Italy Coach Giampiero Ventura, something the gaffer has actually admitted. Beyond that, the youngster leads a calm life, often being picked up by his brother and parents after training and enjoying a quiet life outside of football.
Who knows how much this quiet Ronaldinho will fetch if he keeps this up?
@AleDigio89, adapted by @EdoDalmonte
