Inter and Juventus target Giorgio Scalvini opened up about his new contract with Atalanta, how it felt to play at San Siro and the coming European Championship.
Despite attracting the interest of top clubs around Europe including Manchester United and Bayern Munich, the 20-year-old Italian defender decided to pen a new contract with la Dea recently, extending his stay in Bergamo to June 2028.
Atalanta now hold a strong negotiating position heading into the summer transfer window, where they expect the top teams to try and fight for Scalvini’s signature. The 20-year-old has already seen over 2100 minutes of action across 28 games under Gian Piero Gasperini this season.
Speaking on page 23 of today’s Tuttosport, Scalvini first discussed his usual relaxed mindset.
“I’m a bit like that in everyday life, it’s a question of character. Even the fact of having always had the possibility of making mistakes, risking plays, allows you to grow with a spirit and in a very particular setting. Special.”
The 20-year-old commented on how it felt to play at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza.
“San Siro is a stadium that puts pressure on you. Fascinating, imposing. Seeing it full is something special.
“I played there with Atalanta against Italian champions Milan and against Inter, Champions League finalists, in the Coppa Italia and again with the national team. Personally, that type of atmosphere energizes me a lot.”
He touched on his relationship with Gasperini.
“I remember my first training sessions, he treated me as if I’d been one of the squad for a long time. And this is already a great advantage. You feel important. I’ve grown a lot, both on a tactical and technical level, but also in character. In choices.”
Scalvini explained why he signed a new contract with Atalanta.
“It gives me great happiness. I am grateful to the club, I’m very attached to the Atalanta family. I was a child, now I’m becoming a man, always wearing this shirt. I’m very happy to stay here, my only thought is Atalanta and I just want to get better. With work. Every day.”
He touched on his life off the pitch.
“I watch a lot of matches, I like football a lot and it’s the favourite sport in my family too. With dad Ruggero and mum Roberta we watch a lot together, I also like tennis, the NBA and I appreciate padel because my brother Andrea is an instructor.”
Finally, Scalvini looked ahead to the coming European Championship.
“It’s always a great emotion to wear the national team shirt. When we won the European Championship, I was at home celebrating and playing with the Under 19 team. However, the call-up depends on what I will be able to do with the Dea shirt.”