Yahoo Sports Carnesecchi ‘not obsessed’ by Italy, defends Zaniolo
Marco Carnesecchi ‘needed’ responsibility from Atalanta but insists his Italy debut is ‘not an obsession’ and defends Nicolò Zaniolo from an ‘absurd’ label.
Carnesecchi has become a regular starter at Atalanta after competing for the top spot with Juan Musso in 2023-24. The Argentinean joined Atletico Madrid last summer.
“It was an honour to compete with such a strong keeper, and this season is the perfect step,” Carnesecchi told Gazzetta.
“Atalanta gave me the goal, and I must be up to the task. It’s not for me but for the team. If a goalkeeper does not do well, the entire team is unlikely to be successful. It takes energy away. We are competing for huge targets, and I needed this responsibility.
Carnesecchi ‘not obsessed’ by Italy, defends Zaniolo
“I was not so noticed last season, but I had an incredible season and a remarkable growth that allowed me to get to this campaign with a different mentality.”
Atalanta are three points below leaders Napoli with a game in hand.
“After the win in Dublin [Europa League Final], I expected a great season,” said Carnesecchi.
“It’s still such a long way and right now, we must pretend we are behind. We can talk about ‘that’ target [the Scudetto] from April.”
The 24-year-old keeper has kept nine clean sheets in 24 appearances this season, conceding 26 goals.
“It’s hard when you concede four goals from four shots on target, like against Inter, or when you must perform just one single save, as against Parma,” said the Italian shot-stopper.
“Let me mention three goalkeepers: Buffon, Szczesny and Handnanovic. This is the stop for a great keeper. ‘Just need a save?’ I can do it.”
Carnesecchi has been called up to Italy national team twice, but hasn’t yet made his debut.
“It’s my childhood dream, but not an obsession,” he said.
“Decisions must be accepted, not discussed. My chances depend on my Atalanta performances. Therefore, Atalanta comes first now.”
Carnesecchi also spoke about another Italian talent, his teammate Nicolò Zaniolo, who also aims to return to the national team.
“Nico has an absurd bad boy label,” argued Carnesecchi.
“He’s an exemplary guy who would do anything for his teammates. He is always perfect in the dressing room, also for the way he eases the tension. The foot injury affected him, but he’s getting back in shape and he’s been helping us.”
