Here’s a new episode of Trivia Tuesday, the five Nerazzurri-themed questions to test our fans’ knowledge in collaboration with GM-Termoidraulica, Atalanta Silver Partner. This week’s episode is about Mario Pašalić, who, from 4 PM on Monday 22nd June 2020 is player of Atalanta permanently. He was “very happy” (the interview) and the Atalanta fans showed much affection on the Atalanta official social accounts. What about you? How much do you know about the Croatian midfielder?

1) Which team did Mario Pašalić make his debut for the Nerazzurri against?

Hapoel Haifa

Atalanta shirt number 88 made his debut at Haifa on 9 August 2018, in the first leg of the third preliminary round of UEL. The Nerazzurri won 4-1 and Super Mario also scored a goal and provided an assist on his debut.

2) How many goals has he scored at the Gewiss Stadium?

5

Although 7 are the goals scored by Pašalić at home, 5 of them have been scored at the Gewiss Stadium: 2 in the 2018/2019 season (against Frosinone, in his debut in Bergamo, his first goal in Serie A, and against Udinese the last goal before the beginning of the renovation works) and 3 of them in the current season (against Udinese, Milan and Roma).

He has scored 2 goals in the home matches played outside Bergamo: in Reggio Emilia against Sassuolo in the 3-1 win of 26 May 2019 and at the San Siro against Manchester in matchday 3 of the Champions League.

A total of 15 goals for the Nerazzurri.

3) Who was his idol as a child?

Ronaldinho

The Brasilian star is the player that Mario he admired the most when he was a kid, while, since he turned professional, he has always been inspired by Lampard and Iniesta, as stated in a Star Interview.

4) In how many different leagues did he play before joining the Nerazzurri?

5

Before being signed by Atalanta, Super Mario played in the top flight of five different countries:

• HNL (Croatia) with Hajduk Spalato
• La Liga (Spain) with Elche
• Ligue 1 (France) with Monaco
• Serie A with Milan
• Permier Liga (Russia) with Spartak Mosca

5) How many appearances has he made for the Croatia national football team?

12

Pašalić, who has been constantly called up from Croatia in recent years, has made 12 appearances for the senior national team, after coming through the sides from U16s to the U21s. Mario made his debut on the 4th of September 2014 in an International friendly against Cyprus, which was won 2-0 by the Croatia side.

Source: Transfermarkt.it