He scored the goal that brought Atalanta the first victory in the Champions League in the match held at the Gewiss Stadium. His goal was the first Atalanta goal scored by an Italian player in the UCL. The Atalanta-Young Boys match-winner was scored by Matteo Pessina: “Proud and honoured”. 

Matteo, you’re in the history of this team. You already were a part of it but even more now. Your goal was the winner in the first UCL victory at the Gewiss Stadium, moreover in front of the fans. Yours was also Atalanta’s first Italian goal in the Champions League, and the list goes on.

“Yes, exactly. I obviously didn’t know all these things while I was playing. You’ve just told me. I’m even prouder and more honoured to have done such a thing and to have made it into Atalanta’s history. Because we deserve it for what we’re doing and all the fans and the people from Bergamo deserve it. It’s only fair. We deserved this win and we should enjoy this evening.”

It was difficult, as Young Boys proved to be tough. But it’s also true that Atalanta were always in control of the game.

“Yes, it’s true. We had prepared for it like this. Even though we expected them to try to play more. But, perhaps, they had never faced a team that attacked like us, even the goalkeeper. We set up our game. I tried to switch play many times, to break into the box from the flanks. We could have scored one more goal but it’s okay, we won. So, we’re happy this evening.”

How happy are you? You’re not even feeling fatigued, you ran a lot.

“Yes, indeed. Winning in the Champions League like this helps you to play and win other games. We’ll enjoy this evening and focus on Milan from tomorrow, as we’ll have another important match for the league on Sunday. We’ll best prepare for it, we’ll have to rest a few days and then we’ll prepare for it.”