An ugly and bad match was transformed by Atalanta into an extraordinary match. Thanks to the success it gives, with the three points and two goals scored, the solitary second place in the standings, just one point behind leaders Napoli. After fourteen days, ten victories, eight of which in a row and the best attack in the championship, the Atalanta team has a strong awareness of itself, of its means and, in particular, a certain football science in knowing how to identify the exact moment to strike its opponents . Like at the Olimpico when after a solid hour of play but without particular imagination De Roon, the best on the pitch, unleashed a powerful shot deflected into the net by the unfortunate Celik. This was enough to turn the tide of the match because with the advantage in their pocket, Atalanta came close to doubling their lead through Ederson and achieved it, in injury time, with Zaniolo’s header from Cuadrado’s corner deflected by Mancini. In short, Atalanta has demonstrated, once again, fullness of means and convictions, a wealth of solidity even when the phantasmagoric plays and incendiary triangles of its attackers are missing. We score anyway. And now there are thirty-six. And this time the victory was built on an impeccable defensive phase. Hien first destroyed Dovbik, who was also poorly served, and then Shomurodov, Kossounou transformed into a midfielder to follow Konè, and, finally, Kolasinac forced Dybala to move away, the two in the middle, Ederson and a relentless De Roon not to being overwhelmed by the desire and eagerness for redemption of the Giallorossi, attentive but wary laterals and the trident, this time, awkward, imprecise and without ideas. Yet Atalanta won because Gasperini, for a change, revolutionized the structure, taking away Roma’s tactical certainties. In fact, at the beginning of the second half, in the 9th minute to be precise, he sent Cuadrado and Samardzic onto the pitch for Ruggeri and Retegui, still in the grip of Hummels, and then Brescianini and Zaniolo, an exaggerated but legitimate celebration after the goal, for De Ketelaere and Lookman. At that point there was no tactical reference to the Giallorossi and Atalanta quickly escaped from a scoreless score that seemed inevitable. It’s true, a lucky shot and a wicked header produced two goals but it’s those unexpected winds that change the tone of a match and give strength to an ambitious team. Which, now, makes Bergamo and the surrounding countryside dream. Just carefully read the numbers in a beautiful ranking. Be that as it may. Atalanta may not have been as brilliant as usual also because Ranieri managed to invigorate Roma until the team managed to sustain the size of the match but the Nerazzurri sealed their success not only with ball possession (52% against 48%) but also with 18 shots against 5 and 7 to 1 on goal. On the eve of two other dizzying matches, Milan and Real Madrid, the Goddess sends a strong message to the championship. It will be hard for everyone.
Giacomo Mayer
