đź”’Operation Matteo Zanacca: Mexico aim to tie down AC Milan gem | OneFootball

đź”’Operation Matteo Zanacca: Mexico aim to tie down AC Milan gem | OneFootball

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·8 April 2026

đź”’Operation Matteo Zanacca: Mexico aim to tie down AC Milan gem

Article image:đź”’Operation Matteo Zanacca: Mexico aim to tie down AC Milan gem

The Mexican National Team, under Andrés Lillini’s leadership in the youth categories, has launched an aggressive strategy to prevent the loss of dual-nationality talent. The top priority is Matteo Zanacca, an outstanding 14-year-old center back who plays in AC Milan’s youth academy.

The Lillini factor and the Italian connection

Zanacca, born in Italy but with a Mexican mother, is considered one of the brightest prospects in the 2011 age group. Lillini has already made the first approaches to have the young footballer represent El Tri at the U-15 or U-16 level, aiming to win him over before the Italian federation formalizes a plan with him following its recent sporting crisis.


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A change of course in recruitment

After losing players such as Alejandro Zendejas in the past, the national team structure is now looking to ensure that the “rossonero” talent chooses Mexico. Backed by the success of the U-20 team, Zanacca’s addition would be a major statement in building the new foundation of Mexico’s defense.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.


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