Nestling in the shadows of the Alps is Bergamo, home to Atalanta. The club is not gilded with stars and aren’t one of the more prominent Serie A teams, yet their ardent fan support follow them stupendously.
They had reason to be even more buoyant last season as Atalanta hit 50 points, their joint highest points total in Serie A, and a respectable 11th place finish. It was an exciting season for the club as the team attacked with prominence and weren’t often overawed. This led to an all-out or nothing approach which garnered 15 victories and 18 losses, drawing the second least amount of matches over the course of the campaign with five. Champions Juventus had the least with three.
During the season Atalanta went on a fantastic run of form from the end of February to the end of March when they went seven matches unbeaten, winning six in a row. Within this storming form they defeated Inter 2-1 at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza and claimed victory at the Stadio Olimpico with a 1-0 scoreline over Lazio.
This was an optimistic and joyful time around the club as Atalanta flirted with the Europa League places. Surprisingly though, their terrific run was ended by relegation battlers Sassuolo in a 2-0 home defeat. Sassuolo eventually survived the drop. With points on the board and no threat of relegation the squad seemed to ease up and lose momentum.
Atalanta only went on to win one of their last seven matches to end the campaign slightly disappointingly after such a prosperous season. Their one win in this time was against AC Milan which was won in the most dramatic of circumstance. Franco Brienza was some 30 meters from goal in stoppage time when he unleashed a ferocious shot that flew into the top corner to send the home crowd into raptures. Quite a way to score your only goal of the season for the now Cesena based veteran.
Nothing should be taken away from Stefano Colantuono’s men though, as by their standards this was another season of progression and improvement which should be applauded.
The club has limited resources but does boast a wonderful youth academy which they utilise to improve the quality of the squad or to help the bank balance in selling precocious talents.
They also made the Stadio Atleti Azzurri d’Italia into a fortress last season as the old stadium’s charm and character was bolstered by the full heart and passion of the home fans and their stunning choreographs. They won 11 of their 19 home matches, drawing three times. One of the significant home wins was the 3-0 defeat of Rafael Benitez’s Napoli.
This home form proved their foundation for the season as on their travels they only mustered four victories and two draws, despite those impressive victories in Milan and Rome.
They will aim to build on last season and further establish themselves in Serie A this coming campaign.
Transfers
Ten years since leaving Atalanta, after progressing through their youth system, Rolando Bianchi is back in Bergamo. A loan stint from Bologna will see the 31-year-old try and help German Denis with goal scoring responsibility, especially as Marko Livaja has left the club for Russian outfit Rubin Kazan.
Another exciting signing is Marco D’Alessandro from Roma. However, the 23-year-old midfielder has been on loan at Cesena for the last two seasons after failing to cement his position in Rome. D’Alessandro helped Cesena win promotion via the play-offs in Serie B last season and is a needed replacement for the departed Giuseppe de Luca who has gone on loan to Bari.
Giuseppe Biava has come in at the back from Lazio to add his experience to the squad following Mario Yepes’ release. Despite being 37 years of age, he made 20 Serie A appearances last season and will look to do the same for Atalanta.
The Coach – Stefano Colantuono
Stefano Colantuono has excelled whilst being on the sidelines for Atalanta in his second spell at the club. After taking the reins once more in 2010 he led them to Serie B champions for the second time under his tutelage.
The team have now slowly assured their presence within Italy’s top flight. Their first season back saw a 12th place finish with 46 points which was followed by a 15th place finish on 40 points.
Colantuono took them to further highs last season, their joint best points tally with the 2006-07 season under Colantuono’s first spell with Atalanta in Serie A. Some impressive football was on display last season, especially in the attacking third, from his side.
If he can tweak the necessary problems on the road while maintaining the Stadio Atleti Azzurri d’Italia’s red hot, intimidating atmosphere then he can continue to develop this club as a competitive Serie A side.
Season Expectations
Atalanta have been progressing season upon season. If they can reach the 50 points mark again and further enhance their stature as a Serie A club then it will be another brilliant season.
Prediction
As they have kept hold of goalkeeper Andrea Consigli and maintained their impressive midfield and attack with Luca Cigarini, Maxi Moralez, Giacomo Bonaventura and German Denis spirits will be high to achieve a similar result or better last season’s point tally. With the consistency and stability of the squad they will be able to maintain their cohesive play.
In preseason Atalanta were unbeaten, winning five and drawing one match. With victory over Pisa at the weekend in the Coppa Italia also, they will be in confident mood going into this season.
Where will they finish? – Expect another mid-table finish, 10th.
Follow Tom Rowland on Twitter – @TWRowland
