Ex-Milan coach Arrigo Sacchi is delighted that Francesco Camarda will start his first Serie A game at 16 and explains why he backs Paulo Fonseca in his decision.
Milan talent Camarda will start a Serie A match for the first time in his career today when the Diavoli visit Cagliari at the Unipol Domus.
Alvaro Morata and Luka Jovic are injured, and Tammy Abraham is not fully fit, so Camarda will get the nod in attack, becoming the youngest Rossoneri starter.
“Honestly, I don’t deeply know this young striker, except for his few appearances with the senior Rossoneri squad. But if Fonseca feels that he’s ready to start, it means he has quality,” Sacchi told Gazzetta.
“Surely, Fonseca takes some risks. If the game doesn’t go on the right path and if Milan don’t win, then all the blame will be on the coach. It’s inevitable, and it’s the football culture in Italy.”
Sacchi: Two reasons why Fonseca is right about starting Milan talent Camarda
Camarda became the youngest Italian debutant in the Champions League on October 22 when he was introduced as a substitute in the second half of a home game against Club Brugge.
Milan need a win in Cagliari today as they’ve collected just 17 points in Serie A so far although they still have a game in hand.
“Regardless of the result, I can already say two reasons why Fonseca is right about starting Camarda,” continued Sacchi.
“First, fielding a player with qualities you appreciate and room for improvement is a message for the future. Second, by doing so, the coach proves that he’s in control of the group and doesn’t base his decisions on the names.”
Camarda will join Leao in the Rossoneri attack after the Portuguese winger had been benched in the previous three league fixtures.
“Fonseca is a coach who has proven that he has no problems sending renowned champions to the bench,” Sacchi concluded.
“The most obvious case is Leao, but his performance against Real Madrid seems to confirm that the exclusion did him well.”