Born on July 1, 2000, in the scenic coastal city of Rimini, Italy, Marco Carnesecchi has emerged as one of the most promising and skilled goalkeepers of his generation. Standing tall at an impressive 1.95 meters, Carnesecchi pairs his physical presence with remarkable technical prowess, establishing himself as a leading figure in Italian football.

Currently, Marco Carnesecchi is the starting goalkeeper for Atalanta in Serie A, where he has gained widespread acclaim for his composed nature, quick reflexes, and strong ability to lead his defense. As a product of Italy's esteemed football culture, his progression from grassroots football in Cesena to becoming an essential part of Atalanta's setup highlights his unwavering commitment, mental strength, and deep passion for the game.

Although he encountered significant competition at the beginning of his career, Carnesecchi's progression has been characterized by consistent improvement and notable performances. His determination propelled him through the ranks, representing Italy at all youth levels and garnering respect for his dependability and consistency as a goalkeeper.

At the age of 24, Carnesecchi has already built an impressive career, highlighted by leading his team to their inaugural UEFA Europa League title in the 2023–24 season. As he continues to develop, his blend of youth, talent, and determination positions him as a future key player for both his club and the Italian national team.

Key Career Achievements  

Marco Carnesecchi’s transition from a promising youth player to a notable goalkeeper in Serie A has been marked by significant accomplishments and pivotal moments:

Youth Development at Atalanta (2017–2019): Carnesecchi began his journey with Atalanta's U-19 team, demonstrating his abilities through impressive performances that garnered him recognition as one of the most promising young goalkeepers in Italy.

Call-Up to the Senior Squad (2019): In January 2019, he received his initial call-up to the senior team of Atalanta for a Coppa Italia match, representing a crucial milestone in his professional growth, despite not making his on-field debut.

Professional Debut with Trapani (2019): While on loan at the Serie B team Trapani, Carnesecchi made his professional debut on September 22, 2019. He showcased a maturity that surpassed his age and quickly became the primary goalkeeper for the team. Throughout that season, he participated in 33 league matches, acquiring invaluable experience.

Crucial Contribution at Cremonese (2021–2023): During his time on loan at Cremonese, Carnesecchi was instrumental in the team’s achievements. His dependable performances in Serie B, notably achieving 8 clean sheets in 20 matches during the 2020–21 season, earned him a second loan, during which he played a key role in Cremonese’s ascent to Serie A.

Serie A Debut with Cremonese (2022): In 2022, Carnesecchi made his return to Cremonese, this time competing in Italy’s premier league. His displays were characterized by calmness and agility, showcasing his ability to perform at the top level.

Breakthrough at Atalanta (2023–2024): Upon his return to Atalanta, Carnesecchi emerged as a crucial player for the team, playing a vital role in their victory in the 2023–24 UEFA Europa League. His performances in both the domestic league and European tournaments reinforced his reputation as a dependable goalkeeper.

International Call-Ups (2016–2024): Carnesecchi has represented Italy at multiple youth levels, starting with the U-17 team in 2016. His consistent performances led to his inclusion in the U-21 team, where he earned 22 caps. In 2022, he received his first call-up to the senior national team for a training camp under Roberto Mancini, reflecting his rising prominence in Italian football.                                                                          

Honors and Awards

The achievements of Marco Carnesecchi have caught the attention of many, reflected in the numerous awards he has received:

UEFA European Under-21 Championship Team of the Tournament (2021): Carnesecchi's outstanding performances during the 2021 UEFA European Under-21 Championship earned him a well-deserved spot in the prestigious Team of the Tournament. His knack for making crucial saves in high-pressure situations, along with his consistent performance throughout the competition, received significant acclaim.

Recognition as an Emerging Talent: Though not a formal accolade, Carnesecchi's participation in the senior national team training camp for Italy in 2022 highlighted his rising profile and promising future in football.

UEFA Europa League Champion with Atalanta (2023–24): While this honor is collective, his contributions to Atalanta’s success in the UEFA Europa League were crucial. His standout performances throughout the tournament garnered widespread acclaim and enhanced his reputation on the global stage.

Outstanding Performance at Youth Level: Carnesecchi consistently excelled in Italy’s youth teams, showcasing exceptional leadership qualities and goalkeeping skills that distinguished him from his fellow players.

Statistics 

Marco Carnesecchi's career reflects a continuous ascent through the football hierarchy, defined by unwavering consistency, resilience, and a strong inclination towards achieving clean sheets. His path encompasses youth development, loan spells with lower-tier clubs, and a prominent role in Serie A. By December 2024, Carnesecchi has accumulated 156 league appearances in Serie A and Serie B, resulting in an impressive 50 clean sheets throughout his professional journey. These numbers not only highlight his dependability as a goalkeeper but also demonstrate his capacity to perform exceptionally well under pressure in both national and international competitions.

Appearances for Atalanta in Serie A: 40 matches, highlighting his growth into a reliable first-choice goalkeeper.

Notable Loan Experiences: He played 33 matches for Trapani in Serie B during the 2019–20 season and 83 matches for Cremonese over three seasons, which included their campaign for promotion.

Contributions in Europe: Played a key role in Atalanta’s victorious UEFA Europa League campaign during the 2023–24 season, making six appearances in various European competitions.

Youth National Teams: He has made 49 appearances for Italy's U17 to U21 teams, demonstrating his reliability and consistency at international youth levels.

Clean Sheets: A total of 50 in professional matches, showcasing his skills in defensive organization and ability to make crucial saves.

Resilience & Comebacks 

Marco Carnesecchi's path as a professional footballer highlights his unwavering determination and resilience. Starting his senior career at Atalanta with limited chances, he refused to let the scarcity of playing time define his trajectory. His choice to pursue loan opportunities showcased his readiness to adapt and develop in varied situations.

His transfer to Trapani during the 2019–20 season was a significant turning point in his career. Assigned with the duty of aiding the newly-promoted Serie B club through their challenges, Carnesecchi not only acquired vital experience but also demonstrated his abilities by establishing himself as a dependable figure in goal. Despite Trapani's ongoing difficulties, Carnesecchi's impressive performances signaled his readiness for greater challenges ahead.

At Cremonese, the level of competition increased significantly. Initially joining a team striving to move away from the mediocrity of Serie B, Carnesecchi established himself as a key player in their defense, consistently keeping clean sheets and showcasing his leadership abilities. His efforts during the 2021–22 season played a crucial role in helping Cremonese secure promotion to Serie A. When the club decided to keep him on loan for the 2022–23 season, he took on the challenge of facing the top teams in Italy and received considerable acclaim for his performances in the elite league.

Carnesecchi encountered obstacles on the international stage as well. Although he gained early acknowledgment within Italy's youth teams, he frequently found himself playing behind more renowned figures like Alessandro Plizzari. Nevertheless, he took full advantage of every chance he received, whether it was in high-stakes scenarios such as the FIFA U-20 World Cup or during the UEFA European Under-21 Championship, where he was selected for the Team of the Tournament in 2021.

Carnesecchi’s journey of resilience reached a significant milestone when he rejoined Atalanta for the 2023–24 season. Given the opportunity to showcase his skills at the highest echelons of Serie A and in European competitions, he demonstrated his readiness by delivering outstanding performances that led to Atalanta securing the UEFA Europa League title.

The journey of Marco Carnesecchi is a testament to perseverance, development, and an unwavering confidence in his skills. His capacity to overcome challenges and demonstrate his value at every stage is a key reason he is considered one of the most promising goalkeepers in Italy.

Legacy

Marco Carnesecchi's legacy is still in the making, yet his influence on Italian football is already remarkable. Coming from the Atalanta youth academy, which is well-known for cultivating top-tier talent, Carnesecchi has positioned himself as one of the brightest goalkeeping prospects of his generation. His ascent in the sport has reinvigorated the narrative around Italy's goalkeeping heritage, which has traditionally been represented by legends like Gianluigi Buffon and Dino Zoff.

Throughout his career, Carnesecchi has showcased the essential attributes of exceptional players: adaptability, resilience, and a steadfast commitment to excellence. His crucial contribution to Cremonese’s ascent to Serie A underscored his capacity to motivate and lead from the back, while his successful return to Atalanta demonstrated his preparedness to compete at the highest echelons of European football.

His greatest accomplishment so far—contributing to Atalanta's victory in the 2023–24 UEFA Europa League—solidifies his legacy within the club. This triumph not only reflects his talent but also highlights his composure and maturity when facing pressure. It demonstrated his capability to excel on the biggest stages, a quality that bodes well for a goalkeeper on the path to greatness.

Carnesecchi's impact goes beyond the football field. For aspiring young goalkeepers looking to establish themselves, his path—from being a backup to emerging as a crucial player for both his club and the national team—serves as a powerful inspiration. He exemplifies the principles of patience and resilience, demonstrating that career advancement often involves overcoming obstacles and taking advantage of opportunities.

At the international level, his roles in Italy's youth teams have established the foundation for a promising future with the senior national team. Acknowledged as a reliable and agile goalkeeper, he is set to become a key player for the Azzurri, upholding the country's rich legacy of exceptional goalkeepers.

As Carnesecchi continues to enhance his skills and establish his position among the top players in Europe, his name is beginning to be inscribed in the history of Italian football. His legacy represents a promise realized, and he is poised to inspire future generations while making significant contributions to the rich heritage of both Atalanta and Italian football.

Future Prospects

Carnesecchi's future looks promising at just 24 years old. As Atalanta competes at the pinnacle of Serie A and European football, he is poised to gain valuable experience and accolades. Moreover, his senior debut for the Italian national team seems likely as he continues to impress under the keen observation of Roberto Mancini.

As he aims to lead Atalanta to further achievements or represents Italy on the international stage, Marco Carnesecchi is certainly a player to keep an eye on in the upcoming years.