Ruggeri reveals what he will do at Anfield against Liverpool and Spalletti’s speech to Italy U21 players | OneFootball

Atalanta left wing-back Matteo Ruggeri can’t wait to play at Anfield against Liverpool and reveals Italy coach Luciano Spalletti gave a dressing room speech to U21 players before a game against Turkey.

Ruggeri, 21, is the latest product of the Atalanta Academy, getting regular playing time with the senior squad this season. He has made 31 appearances across all competitions, scoring one goal and providing five assists. His first and only goal for La Dea came in a Europa League group-stage match against Sporting CP this past October.

Later this month, Atalanta will meet Liverpool in the Europa League quarter-finals.

“We’ll try to cause trouble for Liverpool with lightheartedness. Sometimes, I imagine a crowded Anfield. I saw it behind closed doors during the lockdown, and that turf was like a pool table,” Ruggeri told Gazzetta.

“[When I enter the pitch] I’ll look at my legs with the names of my parents, Ermanno and Isabella, tattooed on them. It was my way of thanking them for what they did for me, even if they didn’t take it well, especially my mum, and wanted me to delete it.

“When I scored in Lisbon, I saw my career flash before my eyes—the years I spent in the Academy, my debut, my experience in Salerno, and my injuries. I’ve given my all, never given up, and taken every chance. Gasp gives them to everyone.”

What has he learned at Atalanta and under coach Gian Piero Gasperini?

“I’ve received trust from the Percassi family and advice on how to improve on the pitch. First of all, defensive attitude and then body positioning.

“Gasperini taught me to play with lightheartedness. It’s more common to hear him say ‘Go forward’ than ‘stay there.’ This also gives value to my foot. I used to take fewer risks. I should score more goals, but providing assists makes me equally happy.”

Ruggeri hasn’t yet made his senior Italy debut but has collected six appearances with the U21 squad. Before their latest game against Turkey, the Azzurri coach, Spalletti, spoke to the Azzurrini.

“He came inside the dressing room before the match and gave an amazing speech: ‘It’s like Nunziata and I work together, every game is an opportunity you have. Give me signals,’ he said. I gave my all, like always, and I hope to continue doing so,” concluded Ruggeri.

The 21-year-old has already made 60 Serie A appearances and his contract at the Gewiss Stadium runs out in June 2028.