Carnesecchi: ‘Atalanta must not think about being top of the table’ | OneFootball

Marco Carnesecchi was named Man of the Match after his extraordinary saves for Atalanta to beat Cagliari. ‘We’ve got to not think about the fact we are top of the table and keep playing with humility.’

Although Nicolò Zaniolo scored the only goal of the game, Carnesecchi was inevitably named Man of the Match after five huge saves.

They included three in the space of 20 seconds during the first half and one on Leonardo Pavoletti’s header from point-blank range in the final moments of the match.

Carnesecchi appreciates Atalanta performance

epa11776626 Cagliari’s Roberto Piccoli (C) in action during the Italian Serie A soccer match between Cagliari Calcio and Atalanta BC, in Cagliari, Italy, 14 December 2024. EPA-EFE/FABIO MURRU

“These are three fundamental points, both for the table and for the mood of the team after a painful home defeat to Real Madrid,” Carnesecchi told DAZN.

“There was no better way to get back on our feet. We did well to hold out in defence and keep scoring goals upfront. We’ve got to continue along this path.”

That triple save in 20 seconds was remarkable on Roberto Piccoli’s scuffed and looping volley, then Piccoli again from close range as the move continued and the Nadir Zortea follow-up.

“I was also lucky, you need a bit of good fortune in those moments,” added Carnesecchi.

“The whole team deserves credit today, as the defence starts from the forwards.”

This means Atalanta remain the sole Serie A leaders for another week, regardless of the other results from around Italy, so can they really dream of the Scudetto?

“We’ve got to all dream together and give our best in every match, not think about the fact we are top of the table, and keep playing with humility,” concluded Carnesecchi.

The 1-0 result in Sardinia represented Atalanta’s 10th consecutive Serie A victory, a new club record that had never been achieved before.