It was a debut for Giorgio Scalvini as a starter in the match that Atalanta won 2-0 over Venezia, the victory that gave the qualification to the Coppa Italia quarter-finals to the Nerazzurri. It’s a great satisfaction for the young man, who’s also a product of the Atalanta Youth Academy. After the match, he said: “These are big emotions for me”. Here is the interview with Giorgio Scalvini.

Giorgio Scalvini, how much are you satisfied that you started in the Coppa Italia last 16 match against Venezia today?

“I’m greatly satisfied. Being in this team is already a great satisfaction for me. To be in the starting XI is a great feeling. It gives you strong emotions. I’m very happy about it.”

You played with personality. Gian Piero Gasperini also praised you. How does it feel to play with these champions? As, in fact, most of your teammates are internationals.

“I must say that they help me a lot, talking to me and pointing out some moves to make, giving me useful advice. So, they make it easier for me.”

One goal in each half and Atalanta are in the Coppa Italia quarter-finals.

“[Venezia] are a very difficult team. They were always playing tough. Anyway, we had the right attitude. In both the first and second half. We managed to go through.”

What was the first message that you received today?

“There were many of them.”

Obviously, it’s a great satisfaction for your family, your parents, too. As well as for the whole of Atalanta’s Academy, as you are a product of the Atalanta Youth Academy.

“Yes, in fact, I met [Maurizio] Costanzi today. I told him that perhaps I would start this evening. He said: “Good!” He was very happy, too.”

You are an example for all the Academy’s youngsters because each of you, who came up through the Academy, long to be there one day.

“Yes, it’s a great pleasure, especially in an Academy like ours…”