Ex-Primavera coach Francesco Baldini on some of the U23 linked away and with the first team (from GdS).
Portanova:
"Tactically, I consider him a mezzala in a three-way midfield. I find it hard to imagine him in other roles, also because one of his best qualities is insertion. With me he made the difference. On the other hand we are talking about a guy who, in the Primavera, created 15-20 goals per season. For this reason he would also be good as an atypical playmaker. In any case, to exploit him fully he must not be limited, and given full freedom of movement. I played at Genoa from 2003 to 2006, I know the team very well and I absolutely recommend them: he would find much more space and, considering his character, he would become an idol of the fans".
Fagioli:
"Allegri considered him a 'Pirlo-style' director: we tried the experiment, but in my opinion he can do better by working closer to the goal. He tries plays that others don't even think about. Before receiving the ball, he already knows what to do. He has the characteristics of a high-level footballer. He still has to grow physically, the same on a mental level, but I have blind faith in him."
Petrelli, Nicolussi, Da Graca:
"Elia is very close to Fagioli, they are good friends. He has an incredible shot: it reminds me of Ibrahimovic, obviously within the right proportions. While on Hans, what can I say: he is like a miniature Ronaldo. He thinks about work 20 hours a day, he is an example for others. And I don't forget Da Graca: when I was in Turin he played in the Under-17 team, but those who knew about football had already guessed the kind of player he could become. The road is long, but he has everything to establish himself as a true striker ".
On Pirlo:
"We have always faced each other on the pitch, I met him at the Coverciano coaching course. There is mutual respect, I am happy that he is finding his rhythm. The initial difficulties had to be taken into account, the work is proving him right: the visionary that he is, he proposes a proactive football. I am convinced that, with time, we will see his true Juventus ".