Bartesaghi: ‘I feel in good shape, I am able to play in both phases’

Bartesaghi: ‘I feel in good shape, I am able to play in both phases’ Davide Bartesaghi says that he felt ‘at ease’ playing on the left of Milan’s midfield during their 2-0 victory over Udinese on Sunday evening and says that he feels capable of defending as well as he attacks. The young Italian full-back, who has had to be patient for starting opportunities under Ruben Amorim, was among the star performers during Milan’s 2-0 Serie A win over Udinese. The Rossoneri needed a response after Thursday’s humiliating 3-0 Europa League defeat away to Bournemouth, when down to 10 men for over an hour after Mike Maignan’s dismissal. UDINE, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: Christian Pulisic of Milan is surrounded by teammates after scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between Udinese Calcio and AC Milan at Stadio Friuli on October 25, 2026 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images) They got off to a strong start at the Bluenergy Arena in Udine, Luka Modric taking a free kick quickly to let Christian Pulisic spring the offside trap. Omari Hutchinson then scored his first goal for the club, meeting the rebound from a parried Ardon Jashari strike to seal the 2-0 result. You can see how the action unfolded on the Football Italia Liveblog. Bartesaghi speaks after Udinese 0-2 Milan ITALY – SEPTEMBER 16: Davide Bartesaghi of AC Milan competes for the ball with Daniel Banjaqui of SL Benfica during the UEFA Europa League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between AC Milan and SL Benfica at Stadio San Siro on September 16, 2026 in Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images) Ruben Amorim said that Bartesaghi is “better offensively than defensively” and this is why he was given this more advanced role. “He said that to me too after the game. Fortunately I am able to do both phases,” Bartesaghi told DAZN Italia. “I know that I have a lot to improve in both areas, I could’ve done a lot better with several situations today, but I am young and eager to learn.” Bartesaghi was given a more advanced role down the left, with Sankhoun Diawara behind him as a left-back, an unusual position for the Italian. “I feel that I am in good physical shape, I train hard every day to improve. I felt at ease in this position and really enjoyed it.” MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 11: Nicolo Zaniolo of Udinese Calcio is put under pressure by Davide Bartesaghi of AC Milan during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Udinese Calcio at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 11, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images) Milan were reshuffled this evening due to a growing injury crisis, making the trip to Udine without Adrien Rabiot, Diego Moreira, Mario Gila, Samuel Chukwueze, Matteo Gabbia, Alexis Saelemaekers and Pietro Terracciano. “It is a fabulous group and the coach is at the head of the table. We try to give 100 per cent, no matter who steps onto the field, and we need everyone because of those injuries,” added Bartesaghi. “Things change tactically, but the principles remain the same. We need grit and determination from the very start, that’s the most important thing.”