Born on July 1, 2000, in the scenic coastal city of Rimini, Italy, Marco Carnesecchi has made a name for himself as one of the most promising and skilled goalkeepers of his generation. Standing tall at an impressive height of 1.95 meters, Carnesecchi merges his physical presence with remarkable technical skills, making him a distinguished player in Italian football.

Currently, Marco Carnesecchi is the starting goalkeeper for Atalanta, a team in Serie A, where he has gained significant acclaim for his composed presence, quick reflexes, and capacity to organize his defense effectively. His ascent from grassroots football in Cesena to becoming an integral part of Atalanta's setup reflects his unwavering commitment, mental strength, and deep passion for the game, embodying Italy's esteemed footballing heritage.

Although he encountered significant competition at the beginning of his career, Carnesecchi’s journey has been defined by consistent progress and notable performances. His determination enabled him to climb the ranks, where he represented Italy at all youth levels, gaining recognition for his dependability and consistency as a goalkeeper.

At only 24 years of age, Carnesecchi has already built an impressive portfolio, highlighted by his achievement in guiding 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 resolve positions him as a key player for both his club and the Italian national team in the future.

Significant Career Achievements  

Marco Carnesecchi's transition from a young talent to a leading goalkeeper in Serie A has been marked by significant accomplishments and pivotal experiences:

Youth Development at Atalanta (2017–2019): Carnesecchi initiated his journey with Atalanta's U-19 team, demonstrating his talent through impressive performances that established him as one of Italy's most highly regarded young goalkeepers.

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

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

Significant Contribution at Cremonese (2021–2023): Throughout his loan terms at Cremonese, Carnesecchi was instrumental in the club's achievements. His reliable performances in Serie B, where he recorded 8 clean sheets in 20 matches during the 2020–21 season, facilitated a second loan stint that ultimately aided Cremonese's elevation to Serie A.

Serie A Debut with Cremonese (2022): In 2022, Carnesecchi made his return to Cremonese, this time competing in Italy's top division. His performances showcased his calmness under pressure and impressive athletic ability, demonstrating his readiness to perform at the elite level.

Breakthrough at Atalanta (2023–2024): Upon his return to Atalanta, Carnesecchi emerged as an essential player for the team, playing a vital role in their achievement of the 2023–24 UEFA Europa League title. His performances in both domestic league matches and European competitions established him as a dependable figure in goal.

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

Awards and Honors

The impressive performances of Marco Carnesecchi have garnered significant recognition, reflected in the various 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 secured him a spot in the esteemed Team of the Tournament. His skill in executing crucial saves in high-pressure situations and his overall consistency during the event received widespread acclaim.

Recognition as a Promising Talent: Although it wasn't an official accolade, Carnesecchi's participation in the senior Italy national team training camp in 2022 highlighted his increasing recognition and potential within the sport.

UEFA Europa League Champion with Atalanta (2023–24): While this title reflects a team achievement, his contributions to Atalanta’s success in the UEFA Europa League were crucial. His performances throughout the tournament received widespread acclaim, significantly enhancing his reputation on the international scene.

Excellence at Youth Level: Carnesecchi consistently distinguished himself as a top performer in Italy's youth teams, where his leadership qualities and goalkeeping skills frequently set him apart from his contemporaries.

Statistics 

Marco Carnesecchi's career showcases a consistent ascent through the football ranks, characterized by his reliability, determination, and an affinity for keeping clean sheets. His journey includes time spent in youth academies, loan spells at lower division clubs, and a strong presence in Serie A. As of December 2024, Carnesecchi has accumulated 156 league appearances in Serie A and Serie B, achieving 50 clean sheets throughout his professional career. His statistics not only highlight his dependability as a goalkeeper but also demonstrate his capability to perform excellently under pressure in both domestic and European tournaments.

Atalanta Appearances (Serie A): 40 matches, demonstrating 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 made 83 appearances for Cremonese over three seasons, which included their promotion campaign.

European Contributions: Played a significant role in Atalanta's successful campaign in the UEFA Europa League during the 2023–24 season, making six appearances in various European competitions.

Youth National Teams: Made 49 appearances for Italy's U17 to U21 squads, demonstrating his reliability and performance consistency at international youth levels.

Clean Sheets: 50 throughout his professional career, showcasing his defensive skills and ability to make crucial saves.

Resilience & Comebacks 

Marco Carnesecchi's path as a professional footballer showcases his unwavering determination and resilience. Although he began his senior career at Atalanta with limited playing time, he did not allow this to hinder his ambitions. His choice to pursue loan opportunities reflected his adaptability and desire to evolve in varying situations.

His transfer to Trapani during the 2019–20 season marked a crucial turning point in his career. Entrusted with the responsibility of assisting the newly-promoted Serie B team in overcoming their difficulties, Carnesecchi not only acquired essential experience but also demonstrated his potential by becoming a dependable figure in goal. Even as Trapani faced ongoing challenges, Carnesecchi's impressive performances suggested that he was prepared for greater responsibilities.

At Cremonese, the pressures increased. Initially joining a team striving to break free from mediocrity in Serie B, Carnesecchi emerged as a key figure in their defense, consistently keeping clean sheets and demonstrating leadership qualities. His pivotal performances during the 2021–22 season were crucial in securing Cremonese's promotion to Serie A. When the club opted to retain him on loan for the 2022–23 season, he wholeheartedly took on the challenge of competing against Italy's top players, receiving extensive acclaim for his displays in the premier league.

Carnesecchi encountered his share of obstacles at the international level. Although he gained early acclaim in Italy's youth squads, he frequently found himself in the shadow of more prominent figures, including Alessandro Plizzari. Nevertheless, he took advantage of every chance that came his way, excelling in critical scenarios such as the FIFA U-20 World Cup and the UEFA European Under-21 Championship, where he was named to the Team of the Tournament in 2021.

Carnesecchi's resilience came to fruition when he rejoined Atalanta for the 2023–24 season. Given the opportunity to compete at the pinnacle of Serie A and in European competitions, he demonstrated his preparedness by delivering exceptional performances that led to Atalanta's success in the UEFA Europa League.

The journey of Marco Carnesecchi is a story of determination, development, and a steadfast confidence in his abilities. His capacity to overcome challenges and demonstrate his value at every stage solidifies his reputation as one of Italy’s most promising goalkeepers.

Legacy  

Marco Carnesecchi's legacy is continuously developing, yet his influence on Italian football is already notable. Rising through the ranks of the Atalanta youth academy, which is well-known for nurturing top talent, Carnesecchi has positioned himself as one of the most promising goalkeepers of his age. His ascent has reinvigorated the narrative surrounding the goalkeeping legacy of Italy, traditionally upheld by greats like Gianluigi Buffon and Dino Zoff.

Throughout his career journey, Carnesecchi has exhibited the traits that characterize exceptional players: adaptability, resilience, and a steadfast dedication to excellence. His crucial contribution to Cremonese's ascent to Serie A showcased his capability to motivate and lead from the back, while his successful return to Atalanta indicated his preparedness to compete at the highest tiers of European football.

His most significant accomplishment so far—contributing to Atalanta's triumph in the 2023–24 UEFA Europa League—solidifies his legacy within the club. This victory was not only a reflection of his talent but also of his composure and maturity in high-pressure situations. It demonstrated his capacity to excel on the biggest stages, a quality that bodes well for a goalkeeper on the path to greatness.

Carnesecchi's impact reaches far beyond the football field. For aspiring young goalkeepers aiming to carve out their niche in the sport, his journey—from being a backup to emerging as a pivotal player for both club and national team—serves as an inspiring narrative. He exemplifies the virtues of patience and determination, showing that advancing in one's career often involves overcoming challenges and taking advantage of opportunities.

At the international level, his involvement with Italy’s youth teams has set the stage for a promising future with the senior national team. Esteemed for his reliability and agility as a goalkeeper, he is well-positioned to become a key player for the Azzurri, continuing the country's rich legacy of exceptional goalkeepers.

As Carnesecchi continues to refine his skills and establish his reputation among the top players in Europe, his name is becoming a significant part of Italian football history. His journey represents a promise realized, and he is poised to inspire upcoming generations while making meaningful contributions to the storied legacy of both Atalanta and Italian football.

Future Prospects

Carnesecchi's future looks promising at just 24 years old. As Atalanta maintains its position among the top teams in Serie A and Europe, he is poised to accumulate more experience and accolades. On the international front, a senior debut for Italy seems likely as he continues to impress under the guidance of Roberto Mancini.

As Marco Carnesecchi aims to lead Atalanta to further successes and represents the Azzurri on the global stage, he is certainly a player to keep an eye on in the years ahead.