LIVORNO. The first naturalized Italian was the semi-unknown Mario Rodriguez in 1996 when he signed for Groningen. The last, in chronological order, was the much better known Lorenzo Lucca who in August 2022 became an Ajax player after the brilliant season with Pisa.
The list of thirteen Italians in the Eredivisie (the top category of Dutch football ed), which features players like Pellè and Scamacca, but now needs to be updated. The credit, needless to say, goes to a man from Livorno, the first in history to tread the fields of the orange nation.
It’s about Lorenzo Milani, winger born in 2001, grew up in the youth sector of Empoli, before wearing the shirts of Grosseto, Pontedera and Pescara. A few days ago the official announcement of his move to Heracles, a team from the city of Almelo, which last year was saved without too many worries. For him, at twenty-three years old, the great opportunity of his career.
«Already two years ago – begins the Livornese -, when I was in Pontedera, they came to see me play and looked for me to go to Holland, but the team was relegated and nothing came of it. The contacts continued last summer too and this year we finally made it.”
A great growth opportunity for.
“Absolutely. I’m happy. Because the level rises for me by playing in a very good Serie A. It’s a wonderful feeling and I can’t wait to start this adventure. It will certainly be an experience that will help me grow a lot both in terms of football and life.”
With what attitude do you present yourself to this challenge?
«With the desire to play as many games as possible and show off on such an important stage. At the beginning I already know that it won’t be easy for a thousand reasons, it will be essential to be able to integrate into the new country in the shortest time possible.”
Is there anything that particularly excites you about this occasion?
«Playing at the Johan Cruijff Arena, the home of Ajax. Many champions who have made the history of this sport grew up there. It would have been exciting to visit it as a tourist, let alone what it would be like to play there.”
So what does this opportunity represent for you?
«A unique opportunity to continue my growth. I have always wanted this passion to become my job and now I would like this work to be able to move forward on increasingly ambitious stages. When I heard about the proposal I didn’t think twice.”
Contract until 2028, a good sign.
“Really. It means that the club wants to give me time to show my potential and believes in me. It was one of the most important aspects.”
At the beginning of her career she had Egidio Bicchierai as sporting director who wanted her in Grosseto.
«Exactly, exactly like that. I was in Empoli and I didn’t play much, but he believed in me straight away. In Grosseto the budget was not at the top, but he managed to build a great team that won promotion to Serie C. He is a good person, with whom I have always had a good relationship and we still talk to each other years after that season. I hope he can do well in Livorno, for him and for the team from my city.”
She who won it: what does it take to triumph in D?
«A good mix between the experience needed in the category and the freshness and desire of young people to emerge. In Grosseto this was the winning combination.”
There’s a lot of talk about “odds”, she won in Maremma as an under. What are the most important aspects for a young person?
«Coming to an important place like Livorno is not easy. I have experienced it in recent years in Pescara with a very demanding fan base. What I have always kept in mind is that the championship is long and there can be some setbacks, especially for a young player. He counts on continuing to work hard and waiting for the positive moments that then come if one stays on track. Anyone who comes to Livorno must see it as an incredible springboard: on a personal level and why not to grow with amaranth on.”
Next year there will certainly be someone who will support Livorno even from Holland. Maybe after a good goal at the Johan Cruijff Arena, the home of Ajax.
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