Team Overview: Despite being relegated as recently as 2005, Atalanta have looked good since being promoted back into Serie A. Unlike many Italian clubs, Atalanta’s trophy mantle is pretty bare, as they have only hoisted one significant trophy (the 1963 Coppa Italia) in their history. But, I bet fans are just glad they are still in Serie A.
Top Performers: Atalanta got huge boosts from both Sergio Floccari (12 goals, 5 assists) and the rising star Cristiano Doni (9 goals, 5 assists). But, it was really this squad’s defense that impressed in 2009, especially GK Ferdinando Coppola (no relation to Nic Cage) who ceded a remarkably frugal 1.29 goals per game.
Highest Highs: Atalanta’s biggest thrill had to be beating Serie A champ Inter by a score of 3-1 (and Inter didn’t score until garbage time). The win helped the Nerazzuri get on the right track in February, and it led to three enormous wins in a row over Catania, Cagliari and Roma. For one month, Atalanta was simply unbeatable.
Lowest Lows: While February was sweet, May was not. Atalanta’s last month was terrible, in fact. They picked up only one point in five matches. In their defense their schedule was ugly, and they did manage to tie Juventus and narrowly lose to Inter 4-3. Apparently, they knew something about Inter’s D no one else could figure out in 2009.
Future Outlook: Atalanta fans must be please with this result. Sure, they fell a few spots in the league table, but they still managed to stay above the relegation zone despite their poor finish and they have Doni, a fantastic forward who seems to save his best for the big matches. I think they will perform very well in 2010.
