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.
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.
Nicholas Belardo
Roar Guru
I was going to ask you this too, my nonni live next door to Barbagallos
Anthony Barbagallo
Roar Rookie
It's a speculation. Probably could happen next season. Although I think this player could end up staying for a while providing if Atalanta keep consistent.
Anthony Barbagallo
Roar Rookie
My mother's side is from Shepparton Victoria. I live in Orange NSW 3 hours from Sydney. What's your surname Yes the Derby Di Sicilia was a special game which showed who was the team that topped Sicilian football on the island.
Rellum
Roar Guru
I thought Kessie was already going to Juve?
Mister Football
Roar Guru
Yes Anthony, I remember those days as well, not that long ago. Palermo qualified for the UEFA cup at least once, may have been twice, and even Catania and Messina had a couple of good years. One thing Australian soccer fans don't quite understand is that with P&R, you can have a situation where fierce rivals like Palermo and Catania may not play a game against each other for 20+ years. By the way, if you are of the Barbagallos from Shepp and/or Nth Queensland, we're likely to be paesani (or even cumpari).
Anthony Barbagallo
Roar Rookie
Atalanta can follow how Sassuolo went last season and qualified for Europa league. However, they should onto all these young talented players until the end of the season and see how it pans out. Honestly if they beat Juve this weekend, then Atalanta can go all the way by using youth.
Anthony Barbagallo
Roar Rookie
I wouldn't like to see no Sicilian club in the Serie A as my family are Sicilian. Seeing Sicily take on the giants like Juve, Inter and AC Milan is exciting for the island. Calcio Catania is a club that I support because that's the province where the family was born. I have gone for Juventus the whole time as many Sicilians from Catania support the Turin side because it is a neutral and peaceful team. Although hopefully Catania can rise once again. Catania were sometimes consistent and average until they got mixed with fixing scandals and now are currently in Italy's third division Lega Pro. But I remember the days of when Sicily produced great football and had 3 teams in the top division including small Messina.
Sandy
Roar Rookie
Speaking to a work colleague who is from Bergamo (city where Atalanta is based). The owner may look to cash in some of the stars namely Kessie, Caldara, Conti to fund the outright purchase of their current stadium. Good long term strategy, but hopefully they get to retain these type of players for the rest of the season.
Mister Football
Roar Guru
Yes, the Serie A could use a bit of a miracle for what is normally a fairly uninteresting title race, but over the years, you'll find stacks of clubs making the occasional appearance in 5th place, even Palermo, who now appear destined for relegation, meaning there will be no Sicilian club in the Serie A for the first time in about 12 years.
Anthony Barbagallo
Roar Rookie
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