The title of my last Club Focus article read: “Promising signs but consistency needed.” This title is still very, very appropriate for Atalanta’s season so far.
Since my last piece, Atalanta have played three times; at home against Inter and Bologna, and away to Livorno. In these three games they have picked up four points.
It has not been smooth sailing, however, and the usual problems have continued for La Dea. The consistency is still non-existent and they look like a completely different side when they take to the field away from the Stadio Atleti Azzurri d’Italia.
So lets take a quick look at the previously mentioned games, starting with the visit of Inter. La Dea fought out for a draw as they hosted the league’s other Nerazzurri. Things looked good for the home side.
They found themselves opened up on more than one occasion but going forward they were a threat. The least they deserved was a point and a case could be argued that they could have perhaps nicked all three.
Having gone behind early to a Ricky Alvarez strike, Atalanta did well to fight their way back into the match within ten minutes of falling behind, thanks to the ever reliable Germán Denis who delivered yet again against this particular opposition – making it a total of seven career goals against Inter.
Taking a point from Inter is by no means a result to turn your nose up to. Especially given the result that followed.
The team that took to the field away to Livorno was a shadow of the Atalanta that has been seen at home in Bergamo so far this season. For the duration of the match they never really looked like scoring, never posing a real threat to the amaranto.
The only threat they carried was from set-pieces and from shots from range. All of the play was in front of the Livorno defence and the home side never really looked worried. The game ended with a 1-0 defeat for the Nerazzurri, further highlighting their problems on the road.
This contrast between Atalanta at home and away was seen once more in their most recent fixture as Bologna made the trip to Bergamo. Although the 2-1 win was far from convincing, as it came in the last minute courtesy of 20-year-old Marko Livaja. But as the old saying goes, a win is a win and that’s what the La Dea faithful will be telling themselves as they sit comfortably in ninth place.
Atalanta’s home form is integral to their league position. They have played six times at the Stadio Atleti Azzurri d’Italia so far this campaign, winning four, drawing one and only losing once at the hands of Fiorentina. If you take a look at the home table they sit seventh, with 13 points from the 18 available.
Their away form, on the other hand is worse than underwhelming. They sit 14th in the away table with a slightly embarrassing three points from a possible 18. This stat gets worse given the fact they have come up against Livorno, Cagliari, Parma and Sampdoria without picking up a single point.
Should Stefano Colantuono be able to improve his sides performances away from home there is no reason why La Dea cannot finish comfortably inside the top half. They have a good opportunity to pick up some points on the road in the next few weeks.
After the international break they travel to Serie A new boys Sassuolo, the following away match is a trip to Verona. This presents the Orobici with a great opportunity to change their fortunes on their travels and to consolidate their top half status before fixtures at home to Juventus and away to AC Milan either side of the winter break.
Follow Conor Clancy on Twitter: @concalcio
