Even though he will have been focusing on the tussle for the Serie A title and last night’s Champions League clash against Manchester United, AC Milan boss Leonardo may well have one eye on events in Dubai this week.

That’s because the Rossoneri are looking to show off the latest bright young things to come off a production line that has produced Franco Baresi and Paolo Maldini - a system that now contains both of the latter’s footballing-loving sons (pictured right).

While Baresi will be reminding the crowd just how good he was, the Italian giants are hoping to unearth their latest gems when their under-18 side take part in the professional section of the Emirates Airline Dubai Football Sevens.

Milan are well known for taking their young guns around the world to play in similar tournaments. And with the likes of Baresi and Maldini winning nine European Cups and 13 Serie A titles between them it seems to be a policy that serves the San Siro club well. And Walter De Vecchi, coach of the AC professional side this weekend, is hoping to the event can highlight the club’s ability to produce young talent is alive and well, saying: “I really hope there is another Franco Baresi out there on the pitch for us this weekend.

Baresi is the proof of the importance of youth development.

“He was one of the best players in Italy but he started from the youth and that is proof of the importance of a weekend like this.

“We are working on youth development everyday.

“Our mission is to bring someone from the junior level to the higher level.” And, of the new tournament taking place at The Sevens, the Milan man is excited and hopes it end in yet another trophy for the Italian giants.

“We are looking at it terms of hard work and training.

“It’s a new event, we are used to 11 versus 11 so seven-a-side is new and it’s a big challenge.

“I have no doubt that the players we have here representing AC Milan will make a great impact on the tournament.”