The season that made Matteo Ruggeri

All the talk ahead of the 2023/24 UEFA Europa League final was about Bayer Leverkusen’s quest to complete an unbeaten season in all competitions. The Germans had conquered the Bundesliga and were unbeaten in 51 matches heading into the showpiece event at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium. Leverkusen’s attacking talents were expected to overpower Atalanta, but Matteo Ruggeri and his teammates had different ideas. The Bergamo outfit delivered a masterful performance that nullified their opponents’ attack and cut open their defences, producing a 3-0 victory.For Ruggeri, who started in a left midfield role, it was the crowning moment of a standout season. “A historic achievement by a sensational group,” he posted after the game, but the defender was also picked out for his individual contributions. Ruggeri was named in the Europa League Team of the Season, having played ten times, scoring twice and registering one assist. His was the story every fan loves to read: a local boy coming through the ranks and winning silverware. Ruggeri’s talents had been honed in Atalanta’s youth section since the age of nine, when he was scouted and signed after a successful trial. His upbringing at the club developed the intense physical approach, mental resilience and technical qualities that have become hallmarks of his game. “As I was taught at Atalanta since I was a child, I never settle,” he said in 2019. “I aim to provide as many assists as possible and always play at my maximum to keep improving." His development was also aided by pulling on the blue shirt of the Italian national team at age-group level. Experiences like reaching the final of the Under-17 European Championships were important, despite losing out to the Netherlands. More recently, he featured at the Under-21 European Championships in 2025, reaching the quarter-finals, and he’ll be hoping to win a maiden senior cap after his first call-up for Nations League fixtures last year. Back at Atalanta, Ruggeri’s senior debut arrived in November 2020 on Europe’s biggest stage in a Champions League game against Liverpool. A late substitute appearance was followed by his first start five days later when he lined up against Inter Milan in Serie A. Salernitana offered more game time on loan before he returned to Atalanta and set about cementing a place in the first team, which he managed in 2023/24. It was to be the season that changed everything for Ruggeri. He played 34 league matches and totalled 48 across the campaign as the club claimed their first trophy since 1963.Appearances against Arsenal, Real Madrid and Barcelona followed the following season as Atalanta took their place among the elite. He was given the nickname ‘Il Tigre’ for his playing style, something which attracted Atlético Madrid in July last year. “I like to be aggressive, get in people’s faces, fight for every ball,” he said upon joining the La Liga side. “I never hold back. On the pitch, I always have this fighting spirit and energy.” Ruggeri will now bring all of the above to the Premier League as he fights for a bright future with Aston Villa.