by: Marianne Iannaci
After a multi-million dollar tug of war between Roma and Milan, Andrea Bertolacci is out to replicate his stellar 2014-15 campaign with Genoa, this time wearing red and black
A midfielder everyone is after, 24-year old Andrea Bertolacci has a big future lined up, since signing a four year contract with A.C. Milan for €20 million. The former Genoa player just reached a 50% co-ownership with Roma for under €10 million earlier this week, which ignited a spark of interest in the rossoneri only days later. Now worth more than double from the San Siro, Bertolacci’s club career has taken a massive turn as he will now start next season with the red and black. With 5 Man of the Match title’s under his belt and a strong past with Genoa, Bertolacci’s trade will surely bring good things to Milan.
What You Need to Know
Full Name: Andrea Bertolacci
DOB: January 11th 1991 (24 years old)
Position: Midfielder
Nationality: Italian
Current Club: Milan
Height: 1.79 m
National Caps: Italy U-16 (2), U-17 (4), U-18 (1), U-19 (7), U-20 (2), U-21 (7, 1 goal), Italy (3)
Who Is Andrea Bertolacci?
A Roma youth player for four years, Bertolacci was loaned out to Lecce, Serie A, in 2010. Lecce extended the loan for two years which assisted in building a more solid midfielder out of Berto, capping six goals with the team. He became a regular with Lecce until a switch was made to Genoa. During his time he scored 12 goals, bringing back interest from Roma and soon enough, Bertolacci’s rights became co-owned by both teams in June 2014. As of last week, the giallorossi signed the player fulltime for €8.5m but the deal was overturned after Milan requested him for €20 million, just three days later. The switch has officially been made, prior to the player landing in Milan earlier today to complete the team’s medical testing and expressing his honor after sealing the deal.
In 2006, Italy’s U-16 team welcomed Bertolacci to international play, where he advanced each year in correspondence to his age. He was called up to the Azzurrini in 2011 where he scored his first and only national goal against Norway in the 2013 European Championships. Bertolacci was promoted to the national team by Conte last year, playing a total of three games including a qualifier match this March, against Bulgaria.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Two words: Long shots. For an up and coming national midfielder, Bertolacci doesn’t disappoint when given the chance for a shot on net, beyond the penalty mark. His ability to take the ball straight down the field comes with immaculate ease, as does ball control and possession. Rarely do you a see a youngster with much dominance, however Bertolacci’s defensive tactics are quite up to par as well. His focus seems to rely heavily on ownership while he still maintains the confidence to take chances and direct plays.
On the contrary, expect to see a number of fouls called on the pitch. Although he concentrates on the ball, Bertolacci is a mean tackler with an end that often results in carding. He’s received 10 yellow cards in Serie A alone with the likely cause being his controlling demeanor. Aerial duals aren’t a stable skill for Bertolacci just yet, but with the determination he holds, it won’t be much longer until he develops a solid skillset that Milanisti will be all over.
2015-16 and Beyond
Bertolacci’s future is going to be a bright one. With a Milan transfer finalized, there’s no doubt he won’t breakthrough next season and prove his worth throughout the 2016 Euro Cup with Italy. It’s a given that the player is going to improve immensely within the next year; developing stable defensive tactics and winning battles will be worked on, no doubt. This new addition is going to enhance the Rossoneri’s creativity among midfielders and in front of the goal, while Bertolacci’s pride will simultaneously gain respect from his fellow teammates and Milanisti. Get ready to hear this name over the next couple of years as this pure blooded Italian makes his mark.
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