Milan owned youngster Lorenzo Colombo highlighted the differences between English and Italian football and touched on his admiration of Gabriel Batistuta.
The 20-year-old Italian forward is a product of the Rossoneri’s youth system and he made his first team debut in the 2020-21 season, making 11 appearances under Stefano Pioli. Colombo joined newly promoted Lecce in the summer on loan, where he’s already scored two goals in seven appearances.
Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Colombo first discussed the lessons learnt from Italy Under-21’s 2-0 loss to England.
“That the light bulb has to be on for 90 minutes. That in the international arena you have to go hard, always, in any shot. And that the quality is high but also that we can be there.”
He tried to explain why Italy seem to struggle finding the back of the net, both at senior level and the U-21 squad.
“It seems to me that the English train a lot more on finishing, they focus on that. Every shot they take is on target. They are very precise. It’s something that we have to improve instead.”
The 20-year-old spoke about the differences between the English and Italian focuses in training.
“In my opinion, in Italy we don’t train enough on finishing. They are gestures that you have to automate, that must come naturally. We kick the ball and eventually we get used to finding ourselves in that kind of situation.
“Then of course, there are the personal skills of everyone, character, personality, anger come into play. But above all, we don’t train enough on our shooting.”
Colombo confirmed that one of his biggest inspirations is former Fiorentina and Roma star Batistuta.
“Yes, because in the Pulcini I had long hair and my coach at the time compared me to Batistuta aesthetically, and also a bit for my shot, which is a bit my main characteristic.
“I was small, Batistuta I had heard of but I didn’t know exactly who he was. So I went to see his films, to study him.”
He spoke about what he’s tried to learn from the top modern forwards.
“I like to watch them all, I like to steal the main characteristics and then try to replicate them. A striker must be complete, I don’t like strikers who are only physical or only technical.
“You have to have everything, attacking depth and coming forward, knowing how to finish, and above all you have to know how to score goals.
“That’s what makes the difference between a strong striker and one who is a bit limited.”
The Italian forward looked back at his debut with the Milan first team.
“I remember it well, it was my debut as a starter at Milan. We were in the COVID period and Ibrahimovic tested positive the morning of the match.
“We were practising the inactive balls at Milanello, the news about Ibra arrived, Pioli came to me and said ‘look it’s your turn tonight’. Fortunately I responded well.”
Finally, Colombo discussed his bond with the Rossoneri.
“Milan has always been my home, I’ve done the whole journey until the first team. Milan raised me as a player and as a person, and I still feel they’re part of me.”
I wouldn’t worry about what they train more or less of in England. Theres a reason Italy have won 4 world cups and 2 Euros.
I suggest we continue to do the opposite to England.
We nned to focus on getting into Euros and world cups by ensuring Serie A clubs allow Italians the opportunity to grow and develope.
I could care what Englands strikers are doing in training BUT I don’t!!!
Great result on Friday BUT a looooong way to go