GdS: Possibly a mistake – Abate flies whilst Bonera struggles at Milan | OneFootball

AC Milan took the next step to improve their youth system in the summer with the implementation of a Futuro squad in Serie C. However, it has not been an easy step to take so far, with the Rossoneri struggling, leading to questions about Ignazio Abate.

Last season, Abate led the young Milan Primavera side to the final of the UEFA Youth League – a squad powered by the likes of Kevin Zeroli and Francesco Camarda. So with the Rossoneri looking to promote these players to Serie C football via the Futuro squad, it would make sense to give Abate continuity with the same players.

However, this was not the decision made by the Diavolo, instead, Daniele Bonera became the coach of the side, and things are not going as planned. At present, Bonera’s side sit 19th in the league, with only one win from 8 games.

This morning, Gazzetta dello Sport takes a look at what could’ve been. Abate left his role as Primavera coach for a first-team role, joining Ternana, and so far, he and his team are flying.  After an opening-day defeat to Pescara, his side are unbeaten in eight games with six victories in this time.

The coach offers confidence, knowledge and flexibility, managing games very well and getting the best of his players – which was a key element of his time working with the Futuro players.

It is early doors, but with Bonera struggling, was he the right man to lead the Primavera-led Futuro into Serie C? Possibly not. With the two coaches set to meet in December, we could get an answer.