Matteo Pessina ‘could only dream of a game like this’ as he scored the winner for Italy against Wales. ‘I can see similarities between Atalanta and what we’re doing now.’
The midfielder wasn’t even meant to be in the squad, but was added in after Stefano Sensi’s injury.
“I could only dream of a game like this! It was the perfect performance, the one everyone dreams of, to decide the victory in a major tournament. I might not sleep for a few weeks after this!” Pessina told RAI Sport.
“The coach told us the line-up just before we left for the stadium, so I wasn’t sure if I’d play or not, but prepared the same way as always.
“As I’ve already said, this team is wonderful because every player gives 100 per cent and everyone feels the coach has absolute faith in us, whether we play or not. It takes the pressure off and we all feel free to give our best.”
There are quite a few Atalanta players on target in Euro 2020 and Pessina is not surprised.
“I spoke to (Gian Piero) Gasperini after I got the call-up, there’s a lot of him in this. I can see some similarities between the way Atalanta play and what Italy are doing now, the high press and runs from midfield, so I settled right in.”
Federico Chiesa got the Man of the Match award, although Pessina jokingly tried to steal it during the interview.
“They couldn’t give two, so it’s right to give it to Fede!”