Football Season Guide

Even though it still is Summer in Italy, it must feel pretty cold in Bergamo for Atalanta, since they will have to start their new season in Serie A, after only one year of absence, with a – 6. In fact, the winners of the Serie B were considered guilty in the scandal regarding some illegal bets and fixing of matches and were also deducted six points from the new season. Moreover, captain Doni, who wore the black and blue shirt for 10 seasons, was given a three-and-a-half-year suspension which ends his career. Of course, not considering a possible appeal. His absence could be a heavy one, morally. However, such a deduction is going to represent a serious problem for coach Colantuono and his players. Atalanta were undoubtedly considered one of the main candidates for relegation but such a penalty makes them even more likely to fall. For sure, the management worked hard in order to improve the squad and to give the coach a valid group of players. The defence has been strengthened by the arrivals of Andrea Masiello from Bari and Lucchini from Sampdoria. The former in particular is going to find a place in the starting eleven along Manfredini (who had first been given a 3 years suspension, later cancelled) and Bellini. Caserta should represent a valid alternative to Barreto, Padoin and Carmona at the centre of the park, while Schelotto is a gifted winger who could deputize also as a full-back. It is quite evident how the attack is the weak point of the team: Tiribocchi, Marilungo, Gabbiadini and Ardemagni altogether are unlikely to provide more than 20 goals. For such reason, new arrivals, read Denis, are expected. Moralez could be the real surprise if he quickly manages to get accustomed to the Serie A.