Atalanta have pulled off what seemed impossible at the start of the campaign: they finished the 2018-2019 Serie A season in third place and will take part in the UEFA Champions League for the first time next season. Atalanta, Inter Milan, AC Milan and Roma were all in with a chance to grab third and fourth place on the last day of the season, but Atalanta and Inter had their fate in their own hands. In fact, both sides retained their places, as Inter edged past Empoli in Milan and Atalanta won 3-1 against Sassuolo in Bergamo.
In the 112th year since their founding, Atalanta secured their best ever Serie A finish and also the honour of taking part in the UEFA Champions League for the first time. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is the mastermind beind this historic success, he took charge of the club in 2016 after Atalanta had finished 13th in Serie A, then led them to a surprising 4th place finish in his first season at the club and to a seventh-place finish last season. This season's finish is a great achievement for 61-year-old Gasperini as well, he never won any titles in his career and never coached a Champions League team. The highest level he had reached was when he was appointed head coach of Inter Milan in 2011, but he got sacked after just three months.
The fans celebrated the achievement late into the night in the centre of Bergamo, while head coach Gasperini praised his players for their performance against Sassuolo: "This was a very difficult match, it wasn't easy at all. My boys were wonderful, outstanding!". In fact, the match was difficult for Atalanta because it came just a few days after they lost the Coppa Italia final to Lazio. "For Atalanta reaching the Champions League is a historic feat, and we have dont it honestly," Gasperini added. "If you ask me, I'm sure we'll do well int he Champions League next season.
Atalanta are 50/1 at Betway to pull off another historic achievement next season and win the Serie A title.
Your feedback
Please enter your comment.
Your comment is added.
