As 2023 draws to a close, let’s take a look at the top 10 defining moments for Atalanta, a year scattered with triumphs, historic achievements, and memorable moments.
At the top of the list is Atalanta’s impressive progress to the last 16 of the Europa League. The team emerged as a powerhouse contender, dominating against every single opponent. It outperformed Rakow, held up against Sturm Graz, and claimed the first place from Sporting, arguably presenting the best 45-minute run of the season.
A standout moment from last year had to be the Lazio-Atalanta 0-2 game, which channelled sheer perfection. The game featured resolute defensive work and quality offensive play from Atalanta. Zappacosta opened the scoring, followed by Rasmus Hojlund’s goal that confounded the Lazio defence starting from midfield.
The renovation of the Gewiss Stadium saw the demolition of the Curva Morosini, a historic part of the ground, to make way for the new South Stand.
Atalanta’s match against Monza marked the team’s return to the Europa League after a season’s mount of pending. The match ended in a spectacular 5-2 win for Atalanta featuring Koopmeiners’ centre-field goal and a jubilant celebration with the Nord fans.
Atalanta’s game against Milan provided the unforgettable ‘Muriel’s heel’ moment when Luis Muriel’s late backheel goal secured a dramatic 3-2 victory, elevating him to third place in the club’s all-time top-scorers list.
Another high point of the year was the 8-2 Atalanta-Salernitana game. Boga, Lookman, Scalvini, Koopmeiners, Hojlund, Ederson, and Zortea all got on the score sheet in what was a historic win.
Significant to note is Duvan Zapata’s goal against Torino, the club he’s set to join. The goal secured a challenging victory, reaffirming manager Gasperini’s belief in the team.
The away match against Cremonese was turned into a special event by Atalanta’s supporters who journeyed to Cremona on motorcycles.
At the game against Rakow, Atalanta’s young talents – Bonfanti, Del Lungo, Cissé, Mendicino, De Nipoti, Palestra – shone brightly. Giovanni scored his first goal during his first start for Atalanta, proving himself and his colleagues as the team’s present and future.
Finally, rounding up the year was the establishment of the Atalanta Under-23 team. This has been designed to forward more players from the youth system into the first team and prepare them in the context of the Serie C. This marks the beginning of a new era for the club.