DBasia.news – The world is currently busy talking about Matteo Pessina’s goal celebration when Italy beat Austria in the last 16 of the European Cup, Sunday (27/6). But behind the silliness, Pessina is someone who likes philosophy.
Gutta cavat lapidem, this Latin phrase can be interpreted as a drop of water that penetrates a rock. This sentence became a favorite of Pessina.
“I like Latin, because it describes my philosophy. I am one of those who little by little, without attracting attention, are reaching the challenges that are being offered to us,” said the 24-year-old midfielder.
Euro 2020 has so far presented a memorable story for Pessina. A story that may not exist in his imagination. The reason is that Pessina was not originally included in the squad that Roberto Mancini brought to the 2020 European Cup. His name was entered only to replace Stefano Sensi who was smothered by injury.
Like water droplets that can penetrate a rock over time, Pessina is able to steal attention. As the last player to join, Pessina made a valuable contribution by scoring Italy’s only goal against Wales.
“My story is a fairy tale. It was a perfect match. First time starting in the European Cup and scoring goals is something you dream of. I will not sleep for a week,” said Pessina after the game.
Now, it seems Pessina will not sleep much longer after contributing one goal as Italy beat Austria 2-0 and qualified for the quarter-finals. No wonder Pessina “slept” while celebrating her goal.
“I can’t even remember the goal against Wales. Imagine this one (the goal against Austria). The most important thing is that we qualified for the quarter-finals. I will remember this night forever,” said Pessina after the last 16 match.
Pessina’s journey to the Azzurri squad is unique. Pessina started from zero before finally wearing the Gli Azzurri shirt thanks to the trust given by coach Roberto Mancini.
“My career has shown that those who start from Serie C, with sacrifice, can reach the national team,” said Pessina.
It was indeed Pessina who made his professional debut in the third tier with Monza in 2014. A year later he was recruited by AC Milan, although he never appeared.
Milan loaned him to Lecce, Catania and Como, before being released to Atalanta in 2017 for one million euros. He became part of Andrea Conti’s transfer payment instrument.
At Atalanta Pessina’s career remains unclear. He was again on loan. After a short spell on loan at Spezia and Hellas Verona, Pessina was brilliant with Atalanta. He scored four goals and two assists.
Pessina is a different person from most players. For information, Pessina and Giacomo Raspadori are the Italian national team players who earn the lowest.
Pessina really likes skiing in the snow, even as a child she had time to take part in a number of championships. She likes ballet, because her sister Carlotta is a dancer. He is a fan of tennis player Roger Federer. He also likes golf and follows NBA basketball.
Pessina has never been interested in tattoos and PlayStation. He prefers to spend his spare time reading books. If kids mostly avoid math lessons, not for Pessina.
“When I was young I studied mathematics and geometry. They helped me open my mind and think faster,” Pessina said as quoted by Marca.
“As a footballer, a thousandth of a second can make a difference.”
Pessina still divides her time between her commitments in football and academics. He enrolled as a student majoring in Economics and Management at Luiss in Rome, where he was awarded a scholarship.
The player who is also a photography lover already has a vision of his future in football. He looms not on the gridiron, but behind the table. That’s why he takes education seriously.
But for now, his university professors would understand, it wasn’t time to think about books. Pessina is temporarily off the books and focused on defending the Azzurri.