After playing for Atalanta B.C. and Triestina from 1997 to 2000, he made his Serie A debut with Atalanta on 5 November 2000, during the 2000–01 season; the promising goalkeeper soon emerged to prominence, overtaking Alberto Fontana and Davide Pinato as the club's starting goalkeeper, and was initially considered by the media to be one of the best young goalkeepers in Italy.