Carnesecchi joy at ‘dream’ Champions League debut for Atalanta | OneFootball

Marco Carnesecchi was happy to keep a clean sheet on his Champions League debut and maintains Atalanta ‘asphyxiated’ Arsenal for a 0-0 draw. ‘I saw the same kind of performance as last season.’

It was perhaps a sign of how much La Dea have risen in the European ranking that they were left with real regrets at a 0-0 draw with Premier League challengers Arsenal.

They were especially frustrated after having by far the best scoring opportunity, as Mateo Retegui saw both his penalty and follow-up header clawed off the line by David Raya in a sensational double save.

“We played really well and are happy. We defended very well and hadn’t done that in a while, we are getting back our fitness levels. We players dream of nights like this and have to enjoy them,” Carnesecchi told Sky Sport Italia.

“Mateo mustn’t worry, as he is a great lad and player. We are all close to him, he mustn’t be affected by this, we are all behind him. It was a good point against a strong opponent.”

Carnesecchi relatively undisturbed by Arsenal

The only real Carnesecchi save was in the first half, getting his fingertips to a low Bukayo Saka free kick.

“It was an important save, I honestly can’t remember at this point, but I want to congratulate my teammates for their defensive work that asphyxiated Arsenal. I saw the same kind of performance that we had last season in Europe and that’s reassuring,” continued the goalkeeper.

“You dream of these nights when you were a kid. My family was in the stands and I dedicate this Champions League debut to them. I am very happy and this result boosts our confidence.

“We are aiming to become something special because we have what it takes to achieve that.”

Atalanta begin their Champions League campaign, the first after a three-year gap, with a precious home point against Arsenal at the Gewiss Stadium.

Their next game in the tournament will be up against Shakhtar Donetsk, then Celtic, VfB Stuttgart, Young Boys, Real Madrid, Sturm Graz and Barcelona.