“I feel ready” – Atalanta’s Marco Palestra keen to take big leap

“I had wonderful experiences at Atalanta from when I was little until last year, which was my first in Serie A. I had a great time. Winning the Europa League? Yes, I played a game, but I don’t feel it was my own. I don’t have a medal, it’s another wonderful achievement they achieved; those were unique moments.”

The 21-year-old revealed that the spell at Cagliari has changed his life and he’d love to have a season like that every year.

“It’s been a wonderful year, it’s changed my life, I’m so happy. This will definitely be one of the best times in my life.”

“B**eing in the team of the season is something I never would have imagined at the start of the year. I’d love for it to happen every year, but it’s not easy, there are so many high-quality players. For now, it’s fine, we’ll see in the coming years.”

While Palestra has said it now, the wing-back has actually been ready for months now. That is why Rino Gattuso trusted him enough to play for the Azzurri and that is why Inter also see him as a key target.

While Atalanta may not play in Europe, they are a clear step-up from Cagliari. If Palestra stays and does well for them, it will be enough to prove that he can hold his own at the highest level.

Kaustubh Pandey I GIFN