Camarda discusses Italy U21s, Cisse’s rise and lack of Milan minutes: “Waiting for my moment”

Francesco Camarda has admitted that he isn’t playing much at AC Milan but he is ready to take the chances when they come.

Before the season began, head coach Ruben Amorim made it clear that he has faith in Camarda to be the back-up striker to Goncalo Ramos. The issue is that Ramos – being the club-record signing for €75m – has started every game because of his importance.

His deputy Camarda has played a handful of minutes across two substitute appearances, leading to question marks about his usage (or lack thereof). However, with so many games coming up between now and the end of October, the Italian will surely soon get chances.

Camarda gave an interview to Andrea Riscassi of RaiSport from the Italian U21 national team training camp and he spoke about how things are going for club and country. MilanNews transcribed his words.

What is your relationship with Baldini?

“The coach is a special person for me, but also for the whole group. He teaches us so many personal lessons, because he has so much experience, not only as a coach, but also as a person.

“He loves us and we love him just as much, we follow him, we respect him, and I personally would go to war for him, I would throw myself into anything.”

Amorim says ‘I love Cisse.’ You?

“Alpha is a really strong player, he’s a friend of mine, and I’m really happy for him. He deserves it, especially because he’s a serious guy who works hard. I’m very happy with what he’s doing and what he’s done, and I’m convinced he’ll continue to do well.”

You reunited with Liberali in the national team after his years at Milan…

“I get along really well with Mattia Liberali off the pitch, too: even last year, when we separated for the first time, we stayed in touch and spoke for several days. He’s also a great player, and I get along really well with him on the pitch.”

Why did it take so long to break Armenia down?

“It was a tough match against Armenia because they were all backed up and were playing a war game; they were very dirty. However, we had a lot of chances, which is a good thing, but it’s also up to us, using our skill, to break the deadlock earlier.

“We stayed there until the very end, and I think the work we’ve done over the past few days has paid off, because goals and last-gasp victories only come when you truly believe in them.”

Now you need to beat Poland by two goals to qualify directly for the European Championships…

“It’s a match like any other against Poland: we’ll play to win, but we’ll also try to showcase our strengths. We’re a strong team, we’re a very united group, so I’m not worried about this match because we’re ready.”

You don’t play much at Milan. Do you need the U21s to find rhythm?

“I’m just waiting for my moment and I’m using these matches with the Under-21s first and foremost to do well with the U21s, because I care a lot about the national team and we all care a lot about qualifying for the European Championships, and then also for a personal reason.”

Can you win the European Championship?

“We all have to believe in it together, but we have to truly believe in it: as I said, we are a family, we have great qualities, we have great potential and I think it can be done.”