Atalanta’s Azzurri new boy Roberto Gagliardini claims “I see myself” in former Juventus star Paul Pogba and expects “bedlam” against Roma this weekend.
Gagliardini faces Roma on the back of a first-ever Italy call-up, although he did not officially make his bow, and the 22-year-old is in no mood to slow down as he is relishing “playing with people who, a while ago, I only saw on TV” and being “destroyed” in Atalanta training.
Atalanta’s Azzurri new boy Roberto Gagliardini claims “I see myself” in former Juventus star Paul Pogba and expects “bedlam” against Roma this weekend.
Gagliardini faces Roma on the back of a first-ever Italy call-up, although he did not officially make his bow, and the 22-year-old is in no mood to slow down as he is relishing “playing with people who, a while ago, I only saw on TV” and being “destroyed” in Atalanta training.
“I’ve always believed in myself, the national team was my objective,” the midfielder told Gazzetta dello Sport.
“I’m playing with people who, a while ago, I only saw on TV. The dressing room, however, is normal.
“Insigne and Verratti joke around, the others are silent but that’s the same for all teams.
“Belotti? We played together in the Primavera, AlbinoLeffe-Atalanta. He didn’t think he’d get to where he has, but he’s really good.
“He is a nuisance, attacks everything, moves well and scores goals.
“Gasperini? In training he destroys us, but that’s fine. I remember a training session before Atalanta-Napoli, he gave me a starting jersey and I thought to myself, ‘oh, do you want to see this’… I really did.
“Pogba is the most impressive player I’ve ever seen. I remember he had a duel on the wing with Baselli, he extended his arm and ‘Base’ flew away.
“Pogba’s very strong, too strong, but I see myself in him.
“I’ve only ever supported Atalanta. I remember a goal from a [Michele] Marcolini free kick that I saw in the stands, then [Fabio] Rustico, [Paolo] Foglio…
“I’m already fired up for Sunday’s match against Roma: I expect bedlam.”