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

Serie A side Atalanta will have Marco Palestra back in their squad next season, with the Italian impressing a lot in his ongoing loan at Cagliari.

This has seen him play for the Italian national team but it has also come with interest from a host of major clubs within the shores of Italy and even abroad.

As things stand though, Palestra will return to Atalanta in the summer. His future will be decided after that, with the versatile wing-back very much capable of playing for La Dea, even if no clubs end up signing him.

Palestra spoke to DAZN – via Calciomercato, about his situation. He made it clear that he is ready to play for a bigger club.

“Jumping to a big club? I feel ready, but it’s been a year where I’ve gained more confidence with every game I’ve played. I have to feel ready; everyone who plays football must have ambitions that lead them to become a top player. I don’t feel special.

“Sure, I use both feet because there are some things I prefer to do with my left, like when I’m targeting a player, but when it comes to kicking, I’m more right-footed. It’s natural.”

When asked if his long-term future can lie at Atalanta, the Azzurri player responded:

“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.”

“Being 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