As if last week’s desertions and disrespectfulness was not enough, this week Atalanta received a real kicking while they were down. Two former heroes from La Dea’s past single handedly made this week a living hell for everyone involved with the Bergamo club.
Ex-Atalanta striker Sergio Floccari literally handed the Nerazzurri their first blow when he scored the opening goal in Lazio’s 2-0 win over the Orobici on Sunday. The 31-year old front man tapped in from close range after the ball rocketed off the cross bar and into his path where he “inadvertently” used his hand to control the ball leaving him to score the easiest goal he will ever get.
Most of the Stadio Olympico including the referee, and at least two of his officials had a clear view of the incident but still the goal stood, after the game the referee claimed that he knew the ball hit Floccari’s hand but he felt that the contact was unintentional, and furthermore the player also did not gain any advantage from the incident.
What really seemed to wind many of the La Dea fans up was the fact that during a post game interview Floccari insisted that as far as he was aware the ball never made contact with his hand, funny thing is, he is the only one that sees it that way. You would expect a little more dignity and morality from a former player, let alone a player that had spent over two years wearing a Nerazzurri shirt.
This is not the first time Floccari has upset his former employers. Last season he joined Parma on loan instead of making a return to Atalanta, who, at the time, showed their intent to bring him back to the Stadio Atleti Azzurri d’Italia.
He opted to join the Gialloblu despite going on live radio only days before claiming how much he loved playing for Atalanta and their fans. Those same fans touted him as nothing more than a mercenary and that he only chose Parma for the money on offer.
The second blow the Goddess received was probably the biggest and definitely the most painful. During a documentary that aired on Italian national television on Sunday night, former club captain and Atalanta legend Cristiano Doni was interviewed. Thus, for the second time in the same day, a former player showed his lack of loyalty and respect for the club that had previously branded him as a God.
While using hidden cameras, Rai 3’s Presadiretta met with the fallen La Dea icon at his bar in Mallorca, Spain. He claimed that the Bergamo club continued to pay his wages for a further year despite him not being employed by the club while he was serving a three year global ban for match fixing. He later suggested they continued to pay his wages in return for his silence and that he knew things that would incriminate the club further.
Before the match-fixing scandal Doni had the whole of Bergamo at his feet and was set to leave his name in stone within the clubs history books. Many Atalanta fans want to find it in their hearts to forgive their former idol, but he is certainly going the wrong way about making up for what he has done. Many felt if he remained away from the club and quietly got on with his new life in Spain in time his sins would be forgotten, but surly now any hope of a return to grace for their once loved hero is long gone.
During the documentary claims were made that Atalanta and Livorno had paid their way back into Serie A. There was also speculation of irregular cash payments within the club’s accounts.
The past is the past and what has been done can’t be undone. But the final blow for Atalanta came from a current player, all be it maybe not for much longer. La Dea winger and Azzurri international Ezequiel Schelotto tweeted this week, “Good morning everyone, first day at my new home in Como’’.
The want away midfielder has been linked with a move to Internazionale during this transfer window, and by moving house to Como it gives an indication that his proposed move to the Milan club may be a little more than just paper talk. Como is a popular location for Inter players to set up their home due to its close proximity to their training ground in nearby Appiano Gentile.
Despite the dark days surrounding the Bergamo side, there are also signs of a positive future with Michele Canini and Luigi Giorgi both putting in good performances during their debuts on Sunday. Add to this is the imminent arrival of promising young defender Mario Sampirisi, who is expected to join the club from Genoa.
On the field Stefano Colantuono will be hoping his team can end a run of five Serie A games without a win on Sunday when Cagliari visit the Stadio Atleti Azzurri d’Italia. Other than the absence of Carlos Carmona, who is suspended, Colantuono’s team is expected to remain unchanged from the team that played Lazio last week, with Ivan Radovanovic being tipped to replace the Chilean midfielder.
Cagliari are currently fourth bottom of the Serie A table with only three points for their last six games, but a win is essential for La Dea to save them from dropping down into relegation battle.
The fixture is expected to be played in front of a sell out crowd in Bergamo after the club decided to use the game as another one of their €1 a ticket days. All season ticket holders will have the chance to purchase up to four additional tickets for as little as €1 per person.
Follow Clark on Twitter: @Clarkiebaby and be sure to check out ladealive as well.
