It was an incredible week for Matteo Ruggeri, winger born in 2002, from Zogno, in Bergamo, who grew up in the Atalanta Academy, as he first made his debut in the ChampionsLeague against Liverpool, and then made his debut in SerieA against Inter within five days: “Unexplainable feeling”.

“I can’t express what I’m feeling, as making a debut in two different competitions in a few days it’s something I’ve been waiting for a long time. I’m really happy because both my teammates and the staff are giving me confidence and they’re helping me, so it’s an incredible joy for me. I’m happy because I made many sacrifices. I thank my parents and all my friends who have always believed in me, because I never thought I’d get where I am now. I must say that I’m really glad because it’s an achievement that all guys dream about. I wish it to everyone because it’s a dream”.

What’s next, the good or the hard time?

“Both the good and the difficult time, as it’s only the beginning. There’s a lot to work on and to improve in many respects. There’s time as you can only improve with a coach like that and my teammates are extraordinary too as they always help me and they’re always on my side and they tell me if there’s anything that I can improve or something I’m lacking, so that I can work on it and always try to improve”.

This match against Inter: when did Gasperini tell you that you were going to start?

“Yesterday he tried the potential line-up, but at the beginning, it’s not that I didn’t believe it, but everything seemed strange. I thought I wouldn’t play from the beginning, but maybe I’d come on later. When he announced the line-up today, I was super happy. I wasn’t too nervous, as I had already made my debut against Liverpool on Tuesday, so I was quite ready and serene”.

What game was it? It was tough.

“It was a nice and difficult match, especially in the first half. The spaces were closed, narrow and they were very aggressive, but then in the second half we managed it well and scored and we almost won it”.

What are your feelings?

“I did quite well, as I said you must always improve in many respects. I think it’s the right way. You can only improve and think about the future with teammates and a staff like this. Some dreams have come true for you since you’re from Bergamo. It’s amazing to play for the team of your city, because it’s always been my dream since I was a child and I have come through the Atalanta Academy, so I believe it’s everyone’s dream to be in the youth academy and then play for the senior team in Serie A and the Champions League”.

You thanked them earlier, what did your mum and dad tell you? Have they already called or texted you?

“I haven’t heard them yet. I must thank them as they’ve always made sacrifices for me, they’ve always brought me [to the training centre] since I was a kid. My mum, my dad, my sister, my grandparents have always believed in me. I owe everything to them”.