Director says player ‘did well to stay’ in league despite Brighton’s interest – De Zerbi wanted him

In the last two windows, Brighton & Hove Albion showed keen interest in signing Davide Frattesi. Roberto De Zerbi managed the midfielder at Sassuolo and wanted to reunite with him at The Amex.

The Premier League side were unsuccessful in their efforts as the 23-year-old snubbed the Seagulls and a few other clubs to join Inter Milan on a loan deal with an obligation to buy in the summer.

Calciomercato had a detailed chat with Frattesi’s former coach, Emiliano Leva, and it was no surprise that Brighton’s interest was discussed.

The Italy international initially started at Lazio before spending three years at AS Roma’s youth team between 2014 and 2017. During his time at Lazio, he was managed by Leva, who is currently the director at lower division Italian side, Atletico Morena.

When told that De Zerbi wanted him to Brighton, Leva stated that he’s delighted Frattesi decided not to leave the Serie A.

“He did well to stay in Italy, even for the national team,” Leva said.

“Inter applied pressure and the player opened up, the time had come to make the leap to a top club and [Simone] Inzaghi plays a game that is very inclined towards attack and the insertions of the midfielders.”

Leva believes his former player and Nicolò Barella could form a partnership at the San Siro, if Inzaghi can “find the right balance.”