Atalanta midfielder Matteo Pessina: I never felt like Italy outsider | OneFootball

Atalanta midfielder Matteo Pessina says he always felt part of the Italy squad.

Pessina has been a hero for the Azzurri at Euro 2020, though was only a late call-up after an injury suffered by Inter Milan midfielder Stefano Sensi.

“I started as the 27th, but I didn't think too much about it," Pessina said at a press conference. “I stayed here for the first few days, the coach had asked me the courtesy to stay and see how things went.

“Then Stefano suffered an injury and I came back on the list. I always felt part of the group from the first call, it's the great thing about this group. Mancini makes us all feel important.

“The coach always sends out the team that is strongest in that moment and to face the opponents we have in front of us. But he knows that someone can give more even by not starting, you can see Mancini's experience.

“How he holds the group united, we all feel like starts, even those who have played less. The coach will make the decisions and I'll be ready."