Ruggeri gives ‘obvious’ Yamal verdict and thanks Simeone

Originally posted on Football Italia | By Lorenzo Bettoni | Last updated Apr 30, 2026 6:23 AM ET

Italian defender Matteo Ruggeri credits Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone for his defensive development and confirms Barcelona star Lamine Yamal has been the ‘toughest’ opponent he’s faced this season.

Ruggeri played the full 90 minutes in Atletico Madrid’s 1-1 draw against Arsenal in the first leg of the Champions League semifinals on Wednesday.

The Italian left-back, a former Atalanta defender, is in his first season at the Wanda Metropolitano and has been a regular starter under Simeone.

Ruggeri: ‘I’ve improved defensively’ under Simeone

“I think that my development is mostly due to the coach who has believed in me from the very beginning,” Ruggeri told Sky Sport at full-time last night.

MADRID, SPAIN – APRIL 14: Matteo Ruggeri of Atletico de Madrid reacts during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Second Leg match between Club Atlético de Madrid and FC Barcelona at Riyadh Air Metropolitano on April 14, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

“He’s given me the trust and time to work well, and I think I’ve improved, mostly defensively, thanks to him and the work we do every day in training sessions. Obviously, I can still improve, because you can learn from any opponent. I’m happy, and we must recover well, first for Saturday’s game and then for Tuesday, because we can expect a heated environment.”

Ruggeri, 23, has made 42 appearances across all competitions this season, collecting over 3,000 minutes on the pitch under Simeone in 2025-26.

A former Atalanta defender, Ruggeri has yet to make his senior Italy debut.

BARCELONA, SPAIN – AUGUST 17: Matteo Ruggeri of Atletico de Madrid controls the ball whilst under pressure from Omar El Hilali of RCD Espanyol during the LaLiga EA Sports match between RCD Espanyol de Barcelona and Atletico de Madrid at RCDE Stadium on August 17, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Judit Cartiel/Getty Images)

The Italian defender was asked to name the toughest opponent he’s faced this season, and his reply was somewhat unsurprising.

“I don’t want to say that it is obvious, but I guess that with Lamine [Yamal], it was a nice battle,” he said.

“We’ve met many times. These matches provide motivation and the strength to play at a high level. From these matches, you understand the level and the effort required to reach a Champions League semifinal. If I have the name of the toughest one, I’ll go with him because he’s really impressive.”

Ruggeri joined Atletico Madrid in a deal worth circa €20m from Atalanta last summer, signing a contract until 2030.

This article first appeared on Football Italia and was syndicated with permission.

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