Matteo Pessina became the first ever Italian to score for Atalanta in the Champions League, sealing the victory over Young Boys. ‘I’ll remember this moment for a long time.’
The 1-0 result was secured by the UEFA EURO 2020 winner, sliding in to meet the Duvan Zapata roll across the six-yard box.
Incredibly, although this was the club’s 32nd goal in this competition, Pessina was the first Italian to find the net for them.
Champions League | Atalanta 1-0 Young Boys: Pessina breakthrough
“The fans were wonderful, it was our first match really in our stadium with the crowd present, and it was emotional to score right under the Curva. I will remember this moment for a long time,” Pessina told Sky Sport Italia.
“I am getting accustomed to this new more advanced role and trying to improve. You need that little moment to anticipate the defenders in the box and get a goal.”
Atalanta are now top of the Champions League group with four points, having drawn away to Villarreal.
“It’s a very important victory, even if it is only the second match. Now we’ll see what happens with Manchester United.”