Football Season Guide

The past season was a mixed one for Atalanta, as they did well until October, when they were heading for a top 3 finish, but then they lost too many games, 12 – the most since Gasperini’s arrival -, thus dropping to the 5th place which allowed them to return to European football again, after one season off. The love story between the coach and the now American-owned Bergamo outfit, surprisingly did not come to an end as Gasperini was re-assured of the club’s ambitions. More quality is thus expected in all the areas. Firstly, in goal: Musso lost starting status late in the past campaign and, with Sportiello gone for pastures new, Carnesecchi, returning from a great season at Cremonese, will be the new number one. The Argentinean could be let go. Then, the attack was the other area in need of improvement: in the past 2 campaigns Atalanta scored much less than in the previous years under Gasperini, also due to injuries to key players like Zapata and Muriel. While they both could still go, 19-year-old Hojlund, last season’s wonder with 10 goals and 4 assists, was sacrificed and sold to Manchester United for massive cash. The money received was eventually invested in Atalanta’s most expensive signing ever, Touré, from whom a lot is expected, and Scamacca. With disappointing Boga also gone, talented De Ketelaere should also strengthen the attack, after a forgettable season in Milan. And more could follow. At the back, Kolasinac could become a protagonist, with Demiral a likely departure, while Bakker should provide depth on the flanks, where Hateboer is too injury-prone and Castagne and Gosens are still missed. Atalanta are still on the hunt for a centre-back and a winger.