Atalanta continues its journey in Serie A with a draw against Juventus, showing its ability to adapt, depth of squad and solidity of play. Although the third consecutive draw may seem like a slowdown, the Nerazzurri remain protagonists of one of the best positive streaks in their history. Here are the main themes of the challenge and ideas for the continuation of the season.
MOTTA’S 4-2-4-0 AND GASPERINI’S RESPONSE
Juventus – he writes Pietro Serina on the Courier of Bergamo in the post-match of Atalanta-Juventus – showed up in Bergamo without a regular centre-forward, deploying an unprecedented 4-2-4-0. The Juventus penalty area often remained empty, with Koopmeiners, McKennie, Gonzalez and Yildiz acting as attacking midfielders, supported by two midfielders and a four-man defence. Gasperini responded rationally, adapting the formation to the context: de Roon was dropped back almost like a fourth defender to nullify Koopmeiners, while Pasalic dropped to contain Locatelli. The result was an atypical, pragmatic and effective 4-4-2 against such an unusual formation.
GOALKEEPERS AND THE BLUE FUTURE
Marco Carnesecchi, once again among the best on the pitch, confirms himself as one of the revelations of the championship. The goalkeeper born in 2000 also impressed coach Spalletti, present at the Gewiss Stadium. With five decisive performances in the last six matches, Carnesecchi is a candidate to be one of the pillars of the national team. Although Donnarumma remains the undisputed starter, the young Atalanta goalkeeper deserves a place among the Azzurri protagonists of the future.
THREE DRAWERS AND THE CHAMPIONS GOAL
The third consecutive draw might make some people turn up their noses, but we need to put it into context. Lazio and Udinese away, Juventus at home: a trio of complicated matches that still brought three points. The declared objective remains qualification for the Champions League, well defended by Dea, which remains among the top positions. Sometimes, it’s important to keep your feet on the ground and appreciate continuity.
THE WEIGHT OF THE BENCH
The depth of the squad continues to make the difference. Samardzic, who came on in the second half, gave new energy to the game; Bellanova made the decisive assist; Retegui converted the equalizer with coolness. So far, Atalanta has obtained nine goals and eight assists from the substitutes: a sign of how essential it is to have quality also from the bench. With this strategy, the Dea confirms itself as one of the most modern and complete teams in the championship, second only to Inter in terms of depth of the squad.
A RECORD POSITIVE STREAK
With the draw against Juventus, Atalanta’s positive streak reaches 15 consecutive useful results. The last defeat dates back to 24 September against Como. Since then, 11 wins and three draws. The series is the second best in the club’s history, surpassed only by the 17 consecutive useful results of 2019/20, during the pandemic. The match against Napoli and the rematch against Como represent two crucial stages in aiming even higher.
Gasperini’s Atalanta continues to impress, demonstrating the ability to adapt, solidity and a project that looks ahead. The draw against Juventus is not a brake, but a further step in a season built to aim high. The match against Napoli will be an important test, but the Dea has shown that it has all it takes to continue to amaze
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