Riccardo Saponara

dat Promise in our frontline.

He's been called up for the U-21 Confed team



He's the one with the #7 shirt

And that mustache needs to be sorted out

mustache is the source of his skill

An interesting note is Saponara has better stats for Empoli than El Shaarawy had for Padova. He's had 14-15 assists and 13 goals (counting those two against Novara in the qualifier). He's a very promising player... he already has 19 caps for the U-21 Italian National Team.

Saponara is a CAM (Italian Kaka comparisions come from there). At first I thought we will slowly transition to a 4-2-3-1 but I heard about how 4-3-3 is being integrated to Primavera too as it will be the formation of the new Milan for years to come. Either we will play a 4-2-3-1 or Saponara will be Didac's new soul bro. He has no place in a 4-3-3. He is average on the wing, he was originally a winger where he was putting meh performances, after he moved to the centre he exploded like a freakin bomb, and honestly I don't think a player like that can play CM. I would not mind a 4-2-3-1 at all. A double pivot of Montolivo and De Jong would be very effective with Cristante and Ambrosini as back ups with a forward line of new RW/Niang/Boateng-Saponara-El Shaarawy-Balotelli.

Saponara must first establish that he's worthy of a first team place before a serious discussion concerning a shift in formation occurs. I still personally prefer that we develop along the lines of the 4-3-3, though obviously much depends on who we are able to acquire in the Champions League. I have issues with the 4-2-3-1 tactically, however if we can not acquire the requisite talent in central midfield it may become a realistic option for our squad if we can guarantee De Jong's fitness and pursue a reliable 10. This season, we had only Bojan who really thrives in such a position however and entrusting the responsibility to a raw prospect fresh out of Serie B such as Saponara will likely put more pressure on his shoulders than he can handle. Just as El Shaarawy in his first season at our club, he will likely appear mostly from the bench, occasionally starting during times of injury or a heavy schedule. His first year will really be an audition at heart as we consider whether he is ready to be entrusted with the responsibility of the first team or whether we need to consider other options.

Going forward with the 4-2-3-1 would require a player of great quality to be brought in to play Saponara's very position. I would rather that we focus on strengthening our central midfield and adjust accordingly as we start to bring through the younger talent up front who can be afforded more time to make mistakes and grow if we build from the back. Tactical adjustments can be made later, let's just see how he adjusts to life in Milan first.

If Saponara settles in and we settle for the 4-2-3-1 in the end.. who will be his backup in case he gets injured, or when we need to rest him ?

best part about him

and with that mustache he looks like zambro

If Zambro got a baby with Fabregas, this would be the result.

I dont like hyping young players anymore, its so sad when they end up at Genoa as rejects.

Eivindo wrote:If Zambro got a baby with Fabregas, this would be the result.

I dont like hyping young players anymore, its so sad when they end up at Genoa as rejects.

i also see a pinch of pato

Really skinny legs, hope he doesnt end up having his career destroyed by injuries.

Can't wait to see him with QUALITY players. Right now he has the comical duo of Maccarone and Tavano. Just imagine what he can do with Balotelli and SES.

Tavano

In terms of functionality, the 4-3-3 and the 4-2-3-1 can be incredibly similar formations with on the slightest of tweaks. With Saponara coming in and Poli's arrival all but certain according to some sources, I think it is a viable option, at least to simply deviate from the norm over the course of the season when we hit rough patches of to assist in suffocating inferior sides.

As long as Allegri is manager I don't think we will see a 4-2-3-1 with a midfield two of Poli and Montolivo, he is far too conservative for such a progressive style, but I truly believe this is what our manager next season should aim for. Poli is tactically aware and good enough in a tackle to supplement Montolivo who can at times forgo his his defensive duties.

saporana is super awesome! he still has lot to prove but he already has shown some great things... all he needs is right environment he will be perfectly fine in milan

Saponara is expected to play for the U 21 today

saponara just scored :D:D

he does a pato celebration too :')

Yep, his facial hair+his celebration reminds me of Pato

I cannot wait for him to join us in pre season, wanna see more of him in a Milan shirt

Is he suppose to take the place of SES?

Tevez putting Niang on the bench?

God knows whats gonna happen at freak show Milanello!

El Shaarawy wrote:Saponara is expected to play for the U 21 today

Very talented Italy team!

he is playing really well on that right hand side.. better than niang for sure.. so hw is he goin to b used?