Football Season Guide

Last season was a very disappointing one for coach Gasperini and his boys as they failed to qualify to the European competitions for the first time after 5 years. Their campaign was a mixed one as, until mid-January, they seemed to be heading for another top 4 finish but, after the announcement that the club had been acquired by American entrepreneurs, they started a long and unstoppable fall, which led them to end in 8th place. Truth be said, this looked bound to happen as Atalanta lost several of their stars and failed to replace them properly, while the rest became worn out. Their summer has not been a particularly busy one in terms of new arrivals. In fact, they only permanently signed centre-back Demiral from Juventus and winger Boga, who did not impress in his initial 5 months on loan from Sassuolo, before investing some money on Ederson, a midfielder who did well at Salernitana, and should represent a valid alternative to De Roon and Freuler in the middle of the park. So far, attacking midfielders Pessina and Miranchuk were the only occasional starters to have departed, after failing to leave a mark in their two seasons at the club. Left-back Pezzella, who also left, has always failed to show consistency at this level. With Palomino risking a doping ban, Atalanta might have to find another alternative at centre-back, while, with Gosens gone, Hateboer worn out and Maehle too inconsistent, they are also in need of players for the flanks. Moreover, the attack is also incomplete, with Ilicic coming from inconsistent seasons, and Muriel requested to leave, they added Lookman from Leipzig. Last season, Atalanta only excelled on the road. Free from European football, they now have the opportunity to concentrate all their energies on the Serie A and some players, like Pasalic and Koopmeiners, will benefit from Ederson’s arrival, thus concentrating in more offensive roles.