Graziano Battistini, the agent of goalkeeper Alessio Cragno, hit out at Monza following the disappointing start to his client’s loan move.
The 28-year-old Italian shot stopper, who is contracted to Cagliari until 2024, joined the newly promoted side on a loan deal with a conditional obligation to buy clause attached in the summer, keeping him in Serie A following the Sardinian side’s relegation to the second division. Cragno was handed his Italy debut in 2020 and has made two appearances for the national team.
Speaking to Radio Sportiva, Battistini discussed Cragno’s situation at Monza and where things went wrong.
“I don’t want to start controversy, but Alessio went to Monza as a goalkeeper for the national team. Then inexplicably he never played and he is living a grotesque situation.
“He didn’t have the chance to make mistakes and be sidelined, he was taken out before proving he wasn’t up to it.
“Alessio has big balls, he is a champion and he will use this situation to strengthen himself. He will come back stronger than before.”
Cragno has often been linked with moves to bigger clubs in recent years but has never made the jump from provincial sides, spending his career with teams like Cagliari, Benevento and Brescia.
The 28-year-old Italian goalkeeper has only made two appearances for Monza since his arrival, playing the full 90 minutes of both their Coppa Italia games against Frosinone and Udinese. He has remained benched in Serie A, behind the 25-year-old Michele Di Gregorio in the pecking order.
He should be playing. If not here, than somewhere. He is at least the equal of Donnarumma.