Opportunities given to young players take on a different value when they come in the most important matches. Davide Bartesaghi is expected to start against Benfica, reclaiming a shirt from the first minute after the league match played against Venezia on matchday two. This choice shows the trust of Ruben Amorim, ready to give him the wing in a particularly delicate European evening.

For Bartesaghi it will not be simply another seasonal appearance. It will be a significant test to verify his ability to bear the weight of the Milan shirt in a context where every mistake can become decisive. The Europa League requires attention, personality and continuity for all ninety minutes. The young red-and-black player will therefore not be enough to just perform his task: he must be able to influence both phases and provide security to his teammates.

In Amorim’s system, the wide players have a fundamental importance. They must provide width during build‑up, accompany the offensive action continuously and track back quickly when possession is lost. Against a vertical formation like Benfica, Bartesaghi will be called mainly to interpret the moments of the match correctly. Pushing without criteria could leave dangerous spaces, but completely giving up on attacking would deprive Milan of a valuable solution.

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Bartesaghi, the trust of Amorim must be repaid

The possible choice of the coach also contains a message addressed to the whole squad. The hierarchies are not definitive and opportunities can come through daily work. Amorim wants to evaluate directly the players’ responses, giving space also to those who have so far remained mostly on the margins.

Bartesaghi has interesting characteristics and can offer physicality, running and presence on the wing. Now he must take a further step on the level of awareness. Wearing the starter’s shirt in Europe means accepting responsibility, seeking the ball even in difficult moments and not hiding after a possible mistake.

A convincing performance could significantly change his position in the rotations. Milan will need many alternatives during the season and Bartesaghi has the chance to show that he can become a stable resource, not just an occasional solution.

A night that can change the hierarchies

It would not be correct to judge the whole path of the youngster through a single match. At the same time, however, there are appointments capable of accelerating growth and changing the consideration of a player. The challenge against Benfica belongs precisely to this category.

Bartesaghi will have to face it with courage but also with simplicity, avoiding trying to prove everything in a single play. Amorim’s trust represents an important recognition, but also a responsibility. The coach is opening a prestigious door for him: it will be up to the young winger to cross it and try not to leave the Milan hierarchies any more.