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ROME — Atalanta is preparing to take on two of the most decorated teams in European soccer history, with both AC Milan and Real Madrid set to visit. The matchups are especially daunting given Atalanta’s impressive current form.
The club is riding high on a record-breaking eight-match winning streak in Serie A, remaining unbeaten in 13 consecutive games across all competitions. Recently crowned champions of the Europa League, Atalanta’s confidence is further bolstered as they face the seven-time European champion Milan this Friday and the 15-time victor Madrid in the Champions League next Tuesday. Additionally, a match against Barcelona is on the agenda for January.
Currently, Atalanta holds the second position in Serie A, just one point behind Napoli, a team they previously triumphed over with a resounding 3-0 victory at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona a month ago. In the new 36-team Champions League standings, Atalanta occupies fifth place, establishing itself as a meaningful player in both domestic and European tournaments.
Statistics reveal Atalanta’s offensive prowess, as they have scored the highest number of goals (36) in Serie A, paired with the lowest number of goals conceded (16), leading to a goal difference of 20. In their last two European outings, they secured wins against Stuttgart (2-0) and Young Boys (6-1). Overall, in the Champions League, the team has netted 11 goals while letting just one slip through, and their most recent domestic victory was a 2-0 win over Roma on Monday, achieved even after removing several key attacking players.
Cesare Prandelli, a former Italy coach with a deep affiliation to Atalanta, praised the team under the guidance of Gian Piero Gasperini for developing a newfound resilience. Prandelli commented on the evolution of the squad, stating, “Atalanta used to be a team that focused on style, but now they are just focused on winning, even if it means winning ‘dirty’ games.” He attributes this transformation to their unexpected victory over Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League final, which he views as a pivotal moment that enhanced the team’s self-belief.
Atalanta’s journey from a club frequently oscillating between Serie A and B to a formidable competitor can be credited to astute financial strategies and effective player management. One significant advantage is the ownership of their stadium, which recently underwent extensive renovation.
Notably, the club boasts a top-notch youth academy and is currently expanding its Zingonia training facility. Additionally, the introduction of an Under-23 team competing in Serie C enables better development of talent internally, reducing the need for frequent loans as was the norm in the past.
In a notable turn of events, the Percassi family, who have owned Atalanta since 2010, sold a portion of the club in 2022 to American investor Stephen Pagliuca; nevertheless, the family continues to oversee team operations.
Atalanta is also making waves on the pitch, with striker Mateo Retegui leading the Serie A scoring charts with 12 goals in his debut season. Teammate Ademola Lookman delivered a stellar performance by scoring a hat trick in the Europa League final, while Charles De Ketelaere has swiftly adapted since joining from AC Milan. Emotional leadership comes from defensive midfielder Marten de Roon, who is completing his ninth season with the squad, and Ederson has emerged as a significant physical presence in midfield.
Prandelli highlighted Ederson’s dual talents, praising his capability to disrupt opponents’ plays and transition swiftly to offensive opportunities. Retegui has taken over the scoring responsibilities amid Gianluca Scamacca’s injury, with the latter expected back by February. Atalanta aspires to remain competitive for their first Italian league title as well as in European competitions during that time frame.
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