Atalanta, Pessina: "I am inspired by Toni Kroos, I have been dreaming playing against Real Madrid since I was a child"

"Football is art and poetry, it amuses and amazes. It's the feeling between us and the fans". Matteo Pessina speaks to La Repubblica ahead of the Champions League night against Real Madrid, after having played also in the crucial matches in the group phase: "If I hadn't played maybe we would have won anyway, of course I'm happy as these are the matches I have been dreaming since I was a child, maybe the one against Real Madrid has been the most dreamt of. I am inspired by Toni Kroos".

Atalanta midfielder is becoming one of Atalanta key-starters, after his amazing season with Verona and after the departure of Papu Gomez, but his profile doesn't include only football: "I'm studying economy for a potential management future, I like to think that study has helped me in training my mind while on the pitch. Now we have to face Real like we did against the other teams, without changing our way to play football".