Atalanta were dumped out of the Champions League by Paris Saint-Germain last night after two late goals ended a campaign which had captured the hearts of football fans across Europe. So where does Gian Piero Gasperini’s side go from here?
Atalanta Champions League Hopes Ended by Gulf in Funds, Not Quality
PSG Stars Crush Atalanta’s Champions League Dream
In the lead-up to last night’s game, it was widely reported that Neymar’s annual salary was more than the entire Atalanta squad combined.
On the night, it was Neymar – the world’s most expensive player – and Kylian Mbappe, the second most-expensive player, who proved to be the difference for PSG, with both providing crucial assists.
Despite this, Atalanta’s fearless, free-flowing approach saw them on course for a first-ever Champions League semi-final. Mario Pašalić’s superb left-foot finish summed up the grace and beauty of Atalanta’s football this season.
The Nerazzurri were more than a match for their more illustrious opponents up until halfway through the second half. Neymar – who ended up completing a record 16 dribbles – finally showed his worth, however, with five minutes to play.
When it came down to the final moments, money – the one thing Atalanta lack – was the difference.
Atalanta Exit Champions League With Great Memories
It was almost over before it even began for Atalanta. Three defeats in their opening three games saw them on the brink of crashing out of the Champions League in the group stages.
Against the odds, they made it through into the last-16. Their best performance of the competition came in that first leg against Valencia.
Racing into a 4-0 lead against a team with as much pedigree as Valencia made fans across the footballing world finally sit up and take notice. The likes of Josip Iličić and Papu Gómez became household names – something that seemed inconceivable just one year ago.
Credit must also be given to Gasperini. He defied the odds to secure Champions League qualification with Atalanta last season, and he’s repeated the feat this year as well.
Balancing a debut Champions League season with domestic duties and excelling in both is something which deserves full recognition.
The tactical side of Atalanta’s play is ingenious, too. Gasperini implements a style which allows his side to consistently work the ball into dangerous positions. He lets players like Iličić and Gómez improvise, giving an element of unpredictability to their play.
All in all, it was another impressive season from Atalanta. They finished the season as top scorers in Serie A and secured Champions League qualification for the second season in a row.
Where Next for Gasperini?
Transfer rumours are starting to swirl around Atalanta players. Right-back Timothy Castagne has been consistently linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur. There will also be interest in the likes of Iličić and Gómez, despite both being in the latter stages of their careers.
Atalanta’s most important task will be to keep hold of Gasperini this summer – something that should not be an issue judging by his comments last night.
“Outside the stadium there were many people from Bergamo and the people of Bergamo still celebrate for the sense of belonging we have and because they saw the team give everything with enthusiasm and passion,” he said.
“We are happy all the same and next year we will restart to improve. I mean improve in our game because in terms of results it is tricky.”
Atalanta Journey Goes Beyond Football
Atalanta’s achievements this season are a victory not just for football, but for the city of Bergamo as a whole.
Bergamo was, at one point, a hot-spot for the Coronavirus pandemic. By 18th March, more than 40 people were dying a day in the region.
Atalanta’s players were aware of the heavy toll the virus was having on the city. Gomez remarked that it was “like living in a horror movie”.
Their exploits in the Champions League and Serie A helped lift that burden from the people of Bergamo. It provided a much-needed distraction from the huge amount of pain the town was suffering.
The journey wouldn’t have been as special if Atalanta had the likes of Neymar and Mbappe. That’s what makes the Atalanta story so unique. Here’s to more of the same next season.
Main Photo
Embed from Getty Images
