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This week on The Back Stick Podcast, the boys welcome former Napoli and current Union Omaha defender Marco Milanese to the studio.
We delve into Marco’s incredible football journey — from training with Napoli’s first team and witnessing Dries Mertens' magic up close, to the heartbreak of a fallen Serie A contract due to agent drama, and the leap to the American college system.

We discuss his experiences with Italy’s youth national teams, how a bold move to Akron kick-started a whole new career path, and what it’s really like to defend in the USL.
Marco also reflects on a huge 2024 season with Union Omaha and opens up about his future ambitions in American soccer.

We Cover:

• Early days in Italy and coming through youth academies like Napoli, Torino & Parma
• Training with Napoli's first team & what made Dries Mertens so special
• Representing Italy at U15 & U17 level
• Why Marco's agent cost him a pro deal in Serie A
• Transitioning from Europe to NCAA D1 with Akron & UNCG
• Behind the scenes of US college soccer (including shaved head traditions)
• Pedro Dolabella appreciation moment
• Omaha’s playoff run, team culture, and future ambitions
• Marco's mindset on leadership, growth, and going pro in the US

00:00 Intro & Shoutout Friends Of The Pod

03:58 Early Football Days In Italy

09:10 Napoli: First Team Training Nightmares

11:54 Mertens Influence On The Young Players

14:35 Italy Youth National Team Experiences

16:03 Reece James' 'Grumpy Celebration' For England

17:46 Why Akron & Why Not Continue In Italy?

18:54 "Napoli Contract Fell Through Because Of My Agent?!"

24:25 Transitions & Adjustments To US College Soccer

27:38 Akron Shaving Heads Tradition...

31:02 Pedro Dolabella: A Word For The Legend

31:58 Reflecting on a Special 2024 Season for Omaha

36:12 Omaha & Chattanooga Players Watching The Game Highlights Together

37:34 Future Ambitions With Union Omaha

44:00 Extra Time

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