Filippo Terracciano was a surprise starter in midfield during Friday’s win against Hellas Verona, and now his father has done an interview about his time at AC Milan so far.
Terracciano is becoming a wild card for Paulo Fonseca having already been used in various positions this season, making himself useful at full-back and most recently in the midfield double pivot.
It is a change from last season under Stefano Pioli when – after arriving in January from Verona – the Italian struggled for minutes as he was rarely called upon.
Nonetheless, a recent report from Sky suggested that Empoli are keen on taking Terracciano on loan for the second half of the season, after other clubs tried during the summer.
MilanNews spoke to Antonio Terracciano, the father of Filippo, to talk about his journey to Milan and how the experience has been so far for his son.
One year ago Filippo was an emerging talent for his Verona. On Friday he found himself back at the Stadio Bentegodi starting for Milan. What effect did it have on you?
It seems like something planned: playing at your home, in the stadium where I also played. Where we grew up. All this in front of friends and former teammates. For us it was a source of pride.
“Of course, at the end of the game our friends were a little angry but that’s normal (laughs). In short, a nice Christmas present for us.”
As a former Gialloblù player, who did you support?
“A recurring question. I supported Filippo but also Hellas. Anyway, that’s fine, I hope Verona starts winning again from the next match.”
Fonseca is using him in multiple roles so far…
“I think they saw something different in Filippo. Because he has this quality of making all the skills he has available, all his football knowledge available to the coach.
“And players like that are always appreciated by the coach, because where there is a need he adapts, trying to do his best without objecting. If he has to play on the left, he plays on the left. In Verona he also played as a central defender.”
The first six months were more complicated…
“We were surprised by the move from Verona to Milan, it was a big leap. Filippo needed and still needs time because the world of Milan is completely different from the reality of Verona.
“Some people are perhaps already mature for certain contexts at 20, Filippo found himself in a world that he had to know. And he immediately had great humility, working without saying anything and accepting all decisions, even criticism. And in his head a great desire to improve.”
Was there a possibility of him leaving last summer, given the little playing time he got?
“The thought certainly arose in Filippo’s head. But the club has always had maximum faith in him. When there were requests, the club was clear, reiterating their faith in the boy and this is something we appreciated because we felt the faith.
“Now it’s up to Filippo to repay it: there is a path to take, mother nature has not given him the qualities of a champion but he is a great worker and has a great head.”
There has been talk for some time of a possible loan move in January
“To date, we have received no news from the club. I know there are enquiries but Filippo has not been told anything.”
What is Filippo’s will?
“Filippo always says: if the club wants me, I’ll stay here. And to date we have not been informed of any decision regarding loans or transfers.”
So can we say that he will stay at Milan?
“In football everything changes from one day to the next, situations can happen, dynamics that we do not know. But as I said, we have not received any communication on the matter.”
What do you think is Filippo’s ideal role?
“It’s hard to say, I think Filippo is an evolving player in football. He’s always done well in the middle of the field in the national teams. In Verona he also played as a right-back and played well. He did well as a midfielder. And I think this versatility isn’t limiting, on the contrary.
“In today’s football with almost no roles it’s a merit. Then of course a player is used according to his characteristics and if you ask me if he can be Theo’s deputy I say no, he isn’t, because he doesn’t have those characteristics, he doesn’t have the skills to sprint down the wing like Theo.”
