Ruggeri completes Atletico switch from Atalanta
Diego Simeone's rejuvenation of his Atletico Madrid squad has begun after announcing the signing of Matteo Ruggeri from Atalanta.
Atletico Madrid have announced the arrival of Matteo Ruggeri from Serie A side Atalanta.
Ruggeri has penned a five-year deal with the LaLiga giants for a reported €20m fee to significantly strengthen Diego Simeone's options on the left side of defence.
Atletico had been linked with a move for Liverpool's Andy Robertson and Aston Villa's Lucas Digne, but they have chosen to go with the 22-year-old Italian.
Ruggeri made 38 appearances for Atalanta across all competitions last season, often playing in a more advanced role on the left side of midfield under Gian Piero Gasperini.
Indeed, only Davide Zappacosta (33) registered more successful crosses than Ruggeri (25) for Atalanta in Serie A, while he also created 25 chances, the fifth-highest total in the team.
But he is also a solid defensive option. He won 24 tackles in the Italian top flight, a total only bettered by Ederson (32) and Marten de Roon (48) for Atalanta.
He is the first Italian to sign for Atletico since Alessio Cerci in 2014, who went on to make 11 appearances across all competitions before leaving five months later.
Atletico have also reportedly agreed a deal for Real Betis' Johnny Cardoso and are in talks with Villarreal for midfielder Alex Baena.
Simeone's task of rejuvenating his squad has already seen the likes of Cesar Azpilicueta, Axel Witsel and Reinildo Mandava depart the club ahead of the 2025-26 campaign.
