Primavera: Samuele Ghezzi uncovered
Interviewing the Jack-of-all-trades from Grassobbio
An all-rounder, someone you can always rely on. Samuele Ghezzi has entered his second season with Atalanta's Primavera side, and in recent years he has learnt to play almost every position, as a midfielder, full-back, wingback or centre-back in a three-man defence, be it on the left or right. "Playing several positions is motivating and helps you grow faster," stressed the 2005-born player, who joined Atalanta from Scanzorosciate in the summer of 2018. "My career at Atalanta began at the Under-14 level. I already knew coach Gambirasio (who is now in charge of the Under-16s, ed) before joining the club and that helped me a lot to fit into the group and make the mentality of this team mine. As a native of Bergamo - Samuele comes from Grassobbio, a village in the province of Bergamo -, playing for this team is a privilege and an honour for me. Donning these colours entails great responsibility, I feel the need to do well; this encourages me to give my 110% every day. I have also had the chance to wear the captain's armband, which is another recognition that implies commitment and dedication".
Right after his sign-up for Atalanta, Samuele began his own personal journey to becoming the jack-of-all-trades we know today: "I moved my first steps as a midfielder, holding on to this role until the U17s, when coach Fioretto lined me up as an impromptu fullback first and then as the “trailing arm” of the 3-men defence. Even though I’ve been deployed mostly as a defender this year so far, coach Bosi knows very well I am able to cover any spot in the midfield if needs be".
When the knack for football is more than a family matter, being embroiled in “the beautiful game” is just a matter of time. As Samuele himself recounts "It was my father Cristian and foremost my grandfather Alfio, who often took me to practice, who passed it down to me. I took my first steps at USO Grassobbio, the club of my hometown, when I was just 5. Football is a passion that has accompanied me ever since I was a toddler. Nowadays, whenever I have some spare time, I fancy listening to music and hanging out with my family and my lifetime friends. I’m currently attending the fifth year of the sports-focused scientific high school and, although multitasking between studies and football is not always easy, it’s somehow manageable with some sacrifice".