With 16/18 points in the league and 6/6 points in the UEFA Youth League, the Rossoneri Primavera team has undoubtedly had the finest possible start to the season. Zeroli, who plays in the middle of the field, has been a crucial member of the squad, scoring four goals and providing two assists.
The 18-year-old discussed a variety of subjects in a lengthy interview with Calciomercato.com, including his selection for the Italy U19 team, Milan’s season opener, his playing style, and making his first-team debut.
Even though it’s a friendly, for you, this game versus Serbia was really your debut. What sensation did you get?
“Wearing the national team shirt is an honour. I’m honest, I’ve been waiting for the call for a long time. Up until now, I’ve always tried to work and improve myself day by day, obviously with the club, to get to this moment.”
Can you tell us a little about your origins?
“I’m an Italian-Nigerian boy. I started playing when I was little thanks to my uncle, who is Italian and represents his country, which is also mine, and this makes it special.”
What is your favourite role? Have you always played in the middle of the field?
“Actually, no. When I arrived at Milan, for a period of time, I played a bit as a central defender. As I grew up, I started playing in midfield, playing a bit as a midfielder and sometimes even as the playmaker in front of the defence. With Abate in the last two years, I’m transforming myself again and playing as an attacking midfielder but in an atypical role. A bit like Kessie did when he was at Milan.”
Do you have a player that you look up to? Some call you “the new Gullit” because of your hair…
“Gullit was certainly a great champion and as a child, I was always associated with him. But if I have to be honest, I’m inspired by Jude Bellingham who today plays at Real Madrid. He’s a great player who basically plays the same role as me. He’s not much bigger than me, but he has a style of play that I really like.”
You have already been added to Pioli’s first team and you even scored during the pre-season. What is your relationship with the coach? And how exciting was it?
“There is a wonderful relationship with Pioli, he was kind and helpful. He let me play when I scored against Lumezzane, but above all he let me make my debut against Juventus in a big match and it was a unique emotion. I got on very well with the first team group and I bonded a lot with both Alessandro Florenzi and Rafael Leao, but with Florenzi more than anyone.”
What is the goal or dream you have in front of you?
“The dream, but I believe it is that of all children who play football, is to make my debut in Serie A. In addition to that, the dream is to get to play with the senior Italian national team, but there is time.”
Zeroli is a boyhood Milan fan and knows exactly what it means to play for the club, which makes him the perfect captain of the Primavera side. Hopefully, he will continue to lead the team to success this season.
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