Atalanta defender Matteo Ruggeri: Gasperini has helped me grow a lot

Atalanta defender Matteo Ruggeri recently talked about the similarities between coach Gasperini and Italy national team coach Luciano Spalletti in an interview, and said that Gasperini has helped him a lot in his growth.

The "Azzurri" Italy will host Germany at home in the first leg of the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals in the 2024/25 season, and this is also the first time that Matteo Ruggeri has been selected for the Italian national team.

"I feel extremely happy," said the 22-year-old Matteo Ruggeri. "I have been training hard and improving myself in every game. I really want to thank coach Spalletti for helping me realize my dream and I am really happy to be selected for the national team."

"For me personally, coach Gasperini has helped me grow a lot. He not only makes me improve on the court, but more importantly, makes me a better person first."

Matteo Ruggeri also said, "He always asks me not to be content with the status quo, and I think Spalletti is very similar to him in this respect. I haven't gotten to know Spalletti in depth, but from a tactical point of view, the two of them do have similarities. For me, this is a positive thing because I have adapted to Gasperini's style. I will try my best to show myself and give my best performance."

On the other hand, Atalanta lost to Inter Milan 0-2 at home in the Serie A earlier. Atalanta is currently ranked third in the standings with 28 points, 6 points behind Inter Milan, which is in first place.

Matteo Ruggeri said, "At present, I will focus on the tasks of the national team. I feel a little regretful about that defeat, but now I must concentrate on the national team, fully implement the requirements of the coach, and give my best performance in training and games."