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Can Italian side Atalanta replicate the miraculous story of Leicester City?

Leicester City's win was one for the underdogs. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
Roar Rookie
1st December, 2016
10

Bergamo club Atalanta have hit tremendous form in the Serie A lately and are hoping for it to continue when they take on Turin giants Juventus this weekend.

Known in Italy as Atalanta Bergamasca Calcio, Atalanta is one of the country’s most consistent teams. They’ve spent the majority of their existence in the Serie A, with this season marking their 53rd in Italy’s top division. The club boasts just one piece of silverware in its history, winning the Coppa Italia in 1963.

La Dea (The Goddess) have managed to collect eight wins in nine matches this season, which has elevated them to fifth on the Serie A table on 28 points. It looks astonishing on paper, as they find themselves only five points adrift of league leaders Juventus who are currently on 33 points.

Youth is their strongest weapon and the club staff looks to be utilising it well.

Manager Gian Piero Gasperini has got his tactics and formation right and that is reflected in the team’s performances thus far this season. Atalanta has produced a number of great players over the years, with many rising through the club’s youth ranks before being sent to larger clubs.

Notable former players of the club include Davide Zappacosta, now at Torino, and Giacomo Bonaventura who currently plays his football with AC Milan. Atalanta has provided opportunities for a number of young players to kickstart their footballing careers.

The Nerazzurri now have a bolstered squad with the ability to compete with the top teams in Italy. Ivorian midfielder Franck Kessié has been an influential player in attack for the squad, scoring five goals already this season despite being just 19 years of age.

Another youngster in fine form is 21-year-old Italian striker Andrea Petagna who has bagged three goals so far this season. These two young players look promising and are gradually becoming comfortable within the starting XI and familiar with how the Serie A works. If they remain consistent over the Christmas period then expect to see more goals from the pair.

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Atalanta’s next match is away at Juventus. The defending champions are currently facing an injury crisis and descending into poor form – losing last time out against Genoa.

This will be a crucial fixture for Atalanta. If they manage to grab three points in Turin, just two points will stand between them and the top of the table.

At the moment Italy could use a fairytale story like that of English side Leicester City, who won the 2015/16 Premier League title.

It would represent a welcome change to the Italian footballing landscape – putting an end to five straight seasons of Juventus dominance.

For Atalanta, consistency will be key in ensuring that they can keep the points coming in each and every league match.

If the Italian side is to follow in the footsteps of Leicester City, they must ignore the media and continue to play effective football.

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