Last season Atalanta finished outside the European positions for the first time since Gian Piero Gasperini took over as coach. Stephen Kasiewicz looks ahead to what could be a transformative campaign for La Dea.
Is it the end of an era or the beginning of a new one for Atalanta?
When finishing eighth in Serie A is considered a failure, it’s an indication of the club’s incredible progress under Gasperini. Indeed, Atalanta’s meteoric rise from provincial powerhouse to the top four and Europe in the last six seasons has been thrilling to watch.
Gasperini’s attacking tactics have been rightly praised but does he have the players to match his ambition this term? The addition of speedy English winger Ademola Lookman and attacking midfielder Éderson will add further flair to a team packed full of talented internationals. It’s on the flanks that La Dea have to improve; Robin Gosens has not been adequately replaced and Hans Hateboer faded after sustaining an injury early last season.
A fully fit Duván Zapata is also crucial to Atalanta’s success. The formidable Colombian forward spent large chunks of the previous season out injured and is a fundamental part of the way the team plays.
The fresh additions will give Atalanta impetus as barring a dramatic collapse they should contend for Europe again.
Key man: Teun Koopmeiners
The Dutch international is ready to play a bigger role for Atalanta after a superb breakthrough season at the Gewiss Stadium.
The left-footed maestro with the panoramic passing range adjusted easily into Gasperini’s team and scored four times in an impressive first term in Italian football.
Ostensibly a defensive midfielder he will also be given licence to move further forward in Atalanta’s fluid system. He stood out as others failed to step up in 2021-22 and should make even more progress in the forthcoming campaign.
Coach: Gian Piero Gasperini
The master tactician is unlikely to alter his tried and trusted formation despite last season’s drop off in performance.
Under Gasperini’s expert guidance Atalanta have excelled using a three man defence, two high-pressing wing-backs, a couple of flexible midfielders and a trio of assorted attackers.
Risk taking is part of his strategy and often leaves his backline exposed. The early absence of experienced Argentinian centre-back José Luis Palomino – who was suspended after allegedly failing a doping test – is a huge early setback.
How Gasperini copes without Palomino and deals with the fallout from the Italian Anti-Doping Organization’s decision could shape Atalanta’s early season form.
Watch out for: Atalanta’s young guns
Defender Caleb Okoli and the versatile Giorgio Scalvini are the latest to emerge from the famed Atalanta youth ranks. Italy under-21 international Okoli won promotion on loan at Cremonese last term. Scalvini, 18, won his first senior cap for Italy this summer after breaking into the Atalanta first team last season. Both could be set for big seasons in Bergamo.
Get the full 2022-23 Serie A season preview here.