Atalanta: The Rise of a Footballing Underdog

 

Atalanta Bergamasca Calcio, a name once whispered among Italy’s lesser-known footballing sides, has emerged as a symbol of resilience, innovation, and audacity. Founded in 1907 by Swiss students and their physical education coach in Bergamo, the club’s origins are as humble as its journey to prominence has been remarkable. Named after the fleet-footed heroine of Greek mythology, Atalanta embodies the spirit of defying odds and outrunning challenges. 

The Genesis of a Legacy

Bergamo’s footballing history dates back to 1903 when Swiss immigrants established Foot-Ball Club Bergamo. The creation of Atalanta was born out of a division among local sporting societies. Despite its ambitions, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) did not officially recognize Atalanta until 1914. A merger with Bergamasca in 1920 resulted in the modern-day Atalanta Bergamasca Calcio, donning the now-iconic black-and-blue stripes. 

Atalanta joined the Italian league in 1929, reaching Serie A in 1937, only to be relegated immediately. The club’s early years were marked by oscillation between Serie A and Serie B, with brief stints of success, including a fifth-place finish in 1948. However, it wasn’t until the 1980s that Atalanta began carving out a more stable identity. A relegation to Serie C1 in 1981 served as a wake-up call, and by 1984, the club had returned to Serie A. 

Despite occasional flashes of brilliance, Atalanta remained a perennial underdog, often dismissed as fodder for Italy’s footballing giants. That narrative began to shift in the summer of 2016, with the arrival of Gian Piero Gasperini. 

The Gasperini Revolution

Gasperini’s appointment marked a turning point. Known for his tactical ingenuity and emphasis on youth development, he transformed Atalanta into one of Europe’s most exciting teams. In his debut season, the club finished fourth in Serie A, earning a spot in the UEFA Europa League. While early European campaigns ended in heartbreak, Gasperini’s vision was clear: attack with flair, defend with organization and play without fear.

Breaking away from traditional Italian pragmatism, Gasperini’s Atalanta embraced an aggressive, high-risk, possession-based system. His fluid 3-4-3 formation, often morphing into 3-4-1-2 or 3-5-2, emphasized quick passing, off-the-ball movement, and relentless pressing. This tactical philosophy, inspired by Dutch football and Louis van Gaal’s Ajax, prioritized scoring over caution. 

The results were transformative. In 2018-19, after a slow start, Atalanta went on a 13-match unbeaten run to finish third in Serie A, securing their first-ever Champions League berth. They also reached the Coppa Italia final, defeating Juventus 3-0 in the quarterfinals before falling to Lazio in the final. 

A New Era of European Ambition

Atalanta’s maiden Champions League campaign in 2019-20 began disastrously, with three consecutive losses. Yet, the team’s resolve never wavered. A 3-0 victory over Shakhtar Donetsk on the final matchday propelled them into the knockout stages, becoming only the second team in history to advance after losing their first three group matches. 

In the round of 16, Atalanta dismantled Valencia, winning 4-1 at home and 4-3 away, to reach the quarterfinals for the first time. This achievement marked a watershed moment for a club that had spent decades in the shadows of Italy’s footballing elite. 

The Gasperini Blueprint

Gasperini’s tactical acumen has been instrumental in Atalanta’s rise. His reliance on versatile midfielders, dynamic wing-backs, and creative forwards has turned Atalanta into a goal-scoring juggernaut. The 2019-20 Serie A season saw them outscore even Juventus, with Duván Zapata, Josip Iličić, and Luis Muriel each netting 15 or more goals—a feat unmatched since 1952. 

Despite the attacking brilliance, Gasperini’s high-risk approach has drawn criticism for defensive vulnerabilities. Yet, his philosophy has won admirers across the footballing world, including Pep Guardiola. 

A Clash with PSG: A Test of Resolve

As Atalanta prepares to face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League quarterfinals, Gasperini’s side carries the hopes of Bergamo—a city devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Gasperini himself acknowledges the emotional weight of this match: 

"We know very well the anticipation around this match, given the passion and love around Bergamo for Atalanta. This year, there is even more motivation given all that has happened."

PSG, despite injuries and suspensions, possess a formidable weapon in Neymar. Gasperini recognizes the challenge: 

"He is undoubtedly one of the strongest in the world. The best way to defend is to play well. We’ll try to stop him with our organization."

A Symbol of Hope

Atalanta’s journey is more than a footballing story; it is a testament to perseverance and ambition. From the gymnasium of Liceo Classico Paolo Sarpi to the grand stage of the Champions League, the club has defied expectations at every turn. 

As the only Italian club in the quarterfinals, Atalanta carries the pride of a nation and the dreams of a city. Gasperini’s words encapsulate their mission: 

"We want to continue to show that Atalanta can sit at the table of the biggest clubs."

Whatever the outcome against PSG, Atalanta’s rise is a reminder that in football, as in life, the underdog can dare to dream—and sometimes, those dreams come true.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar        

AC Milan: From glory to decay—and now, a flicker of revival

The story of AC Milan over the past decade is one of glory tarnished by decay, a descent so painful that it felt like a betrayal to the legion of fans who once fell in love with the Rossoneri. For those who began supporting Milan during the late 80s, the club was a symbol of football’s finest. The mighty Rossoneri, powered by Ruud Gullit, Marco van Basten, and Frank Rijkaard, dominated Europe, etching themselves into the annals of football history. But what happens when the brightest flame dims and flickers, leaving only frustration?  

After years of wandering in the wilderness, there are signs—a new wind, faint but persistent—blowing through the San Siro, carrying the hope of a rebirth.  

The Glorious Past: A Kingdom Built by Legends

AC Milan’s golden age began in 1986 when entrepreneur Silvio Berlusconi acquired the club, rescuing it from financial ruin. Berlusconi’s investment brought Arrigo Sacchi to the managerial helm and ushered in the “Dutch era” with Gullit, Van Basten, and Rijkaard. This trio, alongside Italian greats like Franco Baresi, Paolo Maldini, and Roberto Donadoni, introduced a philosophy of relentless attacking football. Sacchi’s Milan won the Scudetto in 1987-88, breaking a nine-year drought.  

In Europe, Milan reasserted their dominance, winning the European Cup in 1989 by dismantling Steaua București 4-0. A year later, they became the last team to successfully defend the trophy, defeating Benfica. These triumphs made them the "Immortals," a team revered across generations and hailed as one of the greatest in football history.  

When Sacchi departed in 1991, Fabio Capello took over and moulded Milan into the "Invincibles." Between 1992 and 1994, they embarked on a 58-match unbeaten streak in Serie A, capturing three consecutive titles. Under Capello, Milan reached three straight Champions League finals, including their iconic 4-0 demolition of Barcelona in 1994.  

Milan’s identity became synonymous with winning, and their European pedigree shone again in the 2000s under Carlo Ancelotti, whose side lifted the Champions League trophy in 2003 and 2007. However, every empire inevitably faced decline, and Milan’s fall was about to begin.  

The Lean Years: Calciopoli and Financial Woes

The first cracks appeared in the aftermath of the Calciopoli scandal in 2006, which implicated several clubs in match-fixing schemes. Although Milan escaped severe penalties, the scandal-tainted the club’s reputation and disrupted its rhythm. Local rivals Inter Milan seized the opportunity, dominating the domestic scene for the next several years.  

Despite sporadic success, including a Scudetto win in 2010-11 under the leadership of veterans like Zlatan Ibrahimović, Milan struggled to maintain consistency. Ownership turbulence compounded the club’s problems. After several failed sales, Chinese businessman Li Yonghong took over in 2017 but defaulted on his loans within a year, forcing the hedge fund Elliott Management to assume control. The Rossoneri’s finances spiralled, resulting in a ban from the Europa League due to Financial Fair Play violations in 2019.  

With constant managerial changes and no clear vision, Milan drifted aimlessly. Legends like Gattuso returned to manage the side, but even their passion couldn’t revive the sleeping giant.  

The Spark of Change: Pioli, Maldini, and Ibrahimovic  

In 2019, after a series of disappointing managerial appointments, Stefano Pioli took charge of Milan with little fanfare. Expectations were low, but behind the scenes, former icons like Paolo Maldini began steering the club toward a sustainable future. The return of Zlatan Ibrahimović in December 2019, following a humiliating 5-0 defeat to Atalanta, marked a psychological turning point. Zlatan brought more than goals; he restored belief and demanded excellence from his teammates.  

At the time of his arrival, Milan languished in 11th place, their attack uninspired and stagnant. However, the narrative began to shift.  

 

Signs of Revival: Hunger and Structure Return to San Siro 

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted football, but it also allowed Pioli to reset. When the season resumed, Milan surprised everyone. Unlike rivals such as Juventus, Inter, and Napoli, who faltered post-lockdown, Milan displayed newfound hunger and unity. The Rossoneri seemed reborn—a team no longer haunted by the past but inspired by it.  

Zlatan’s influence was undeniable, but the resurgence was not a one-man show. Theo Hernández, Franck Kessié, Ante Rebić, Rafael Leao, Ismael Bennacer, and Gianluigi Donnarumma formed the backbone of a revitalized squad. The players responded to Pioli’s tactical adjustments, notably the adoption of a 4-2-3-1 formation, which provided balance in attack and defence.  

Pioli prioritized defensive solidity, with Simon Kjær and Alessio Romagnoli forming a resilient partnership at the back. The numbers reflected the transformation—Milan conceded fewer shots per game (down from 12.4 to 10.8) and maintained greater control in midfield, winning possession more frequently.  

The midfield duo of Kessié and Bennacer epitomized Milan’s revival. Kessié’s power and drive complemented Bennacer’s technical prowess, allowing Milan to dominate the midfield battle. Rebić, who had initially struggled for consistency, flourished in 2020. All 11 of his league goals came after January, and Milan’s scoring average increased from 1.23 to 2.17 goals per game when he started.  

The resurgence was not just tactical—it was spiritual. Players began fighting for every ball, playing with a sense of purpose unseen in years.  

A New Dawn?

Pioli's transformation was so profound that the rumoured arrival of Ralf Rangnick as head coach in 2020 never materialized. Pioli had earned the right to continue shaping the team. His partnership with Zlatan fostered a culture of accountability and belief, qualities that had been sorely missing.  

There is still much ground to cover, and Milan’s revival remains fragile. But the pieces are falling into place. The club’s investments in youth, combined with the leadership of veterans, suggest a promising future. The Rossoneri faithful, who endured years of decline, now have reason to hope.  

It may be too soon to declare the dawn of a new golden era, but the winds of change are blowing through Milan. The spirit of the **Immortals** is stirring once again—reminding fans that football is not just about trophies but about the relentless pursuit of greatness.  

And for those who believed in Milan through every triumph and heartbreak, there is a sense that the journey back to the top has truly begun. The Rossoneri, once lost in the shadows, are starting to shine again.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar