Atalanta has transformed from a mid-table Serie A side to one of the most exciting and respected clubs in Europe under Gian Piero Gasperini, who took over in June 2016.
His appointment marked a new chapter in the club’s history—defined by attacking football, youth development, and consistent European competition.
Unfortunately for La Dea he left the club in the summer after nine years and has been replaced by Ivan Jurić.
Nobody knows how the Lombardy club will do this season – the Croatian struggled at Roma and failed to make an impact at Southampton.
Overview
- Full name: Atalanta Bergamasca Calcio
- Founded: 1907
- Nickname: La Dea (The Goddess)
- Stadium: Gewiss Stadium (Stadio Atleti Azzurri d’Italia)
- Capacity: 21,000
- Location: Bergamo, Lombardy, Italy
- Club Colors: Black and Blue
Achievements
Though not historically one of Italy’s giants, Atalanta has punched well above its weight in recent years.
- Coppa Italia: 1962–63 (winners), multiple-time finalists (including 2019, 2021, 2024)
- Serie B titles: 6 (record)
- Best Serie A finish: 3rd (2018–19, 2019–20, 2020–21)
- UEFA Competitions:
- Champions League quarter-finalists (2019–20)
- Europa League winners (2023–24)
Under coach Gian Piero Gasperini, Atalanta became a feared attacking force in Europe with a fast, high-scoring, pressing style of football.
Legends and Icons
- Cristiano Doni – Iconic captain, top scorer in club history
- Gianpaolo Bellini – One-club man with over 430 appearances
- Glenn Strömberg – Swedish midfielder and 1980s leader
- Antonio Percassi – Former player and transformative club president
- Josip Iličić – Creative genius behind Atalanta’s European rise
- Alejandro “Papu” Gómez – Beloved captain and playmaker during Gasperini’s revolution
- Rasmus Højlund – Young star who launched his career in Bergamo
- Teun Koopmeiners & Ademola Lookman – Key figures in recent European success
Rivalries
- Brescia – The Derby of Lombardy
- One of Italy’s fiercest regional rivalries. Hostile and politically charged. BUT SADLY AT THE TIME OF WRITING BRESCIA HAVE CEASED TO EXIST.
- Hellas Verona – Not a major rivalry, but matches often have tension due to fan clashes.
Other rivalries include Lazio, Torino, Genoa and Napoli – these rivalries could all be classed as volatile as much as Verona.
Then there is a minor rivalry with two Milanese teams (Inter and AC Milan) due to geographical proximity.
They also have significant animosity towards Roma – The 1984 Atalanta versus Roma match in Bergamo is remembered for the rupture of a long-standing friendly relationship between the two clubs’ ultras (supporters).
While the exact details are debated, the consensus is that a fight broke out during or after the game, leading to the end of their “gemellaggio” (a term for a friendly, almost familial, relationship between fan groups).
Then in 2006 there was a stabbing incident where three Atalanta fans were stabbed by Roma fans.
Friendships
- Eintracht Frankfurt (Germany) – Warm ties between fanbases
- Ternana – Smaller Italian club with a mutual respect
- Cosenza – Friendly relationship due to historic moments shared
Ultras and Fan Culture
- Main Ultras group: Curva Nord Bergamo 1907
- Passionate, disciplined, and proud of their working-class identity.
- Known for spectacular displays (tifos) and fierce loyalty.
- Ultras maintain a strong anti-modern football stance, promoting tradition and independence.
Tickets
- Official website: atalanta.it
- Tickets are also available on Vivaticket or at Gewiss Stadium ticket offices on match days.
- Prices: Range from €20 to €80, depending on opposition and seat.
- Memberships: Club offers priority ticketing for “Dea Card” holders.
Getting to the Gewiss Stadium (Stadio Atleti Azzurri d’Italia)
Address: Viale Giulio Cesare, 24123 Bergamo BG, Italy
Milan:
- Train: Take a Trenord train from Milano Centrale to Bergamo (50 mins).
- Bus: From Bergamo station, take ATB bus 6 or 9 toward the stadium.
Bergamo city centre:
- Stadium is a 20-minute walk from Porta Nuova or Città Alta.
- Taxi or local bus also options (lines 6, 7, 9).
Orio al Serio Airport (BGY):
- 15-minute taxi ride or airport bus to city centre, then walk or bus to stadium.
Where to Eat and Drink Before the Game
Top Picks (within 10–15 mins walk of the stadium):
- Ristorante Pizzeria Pulcinella – Classic Neapolitan pizza and casual Italian meals.
- Birreria Il Porco Rosso – Craft beer, burgers, sandwiches; popular with locals and fans.
- Café Dersut (Viale Giulio Cesare) – Light snacks, coffee, and matchday energy.
- Bar Stadio – Long-standing fan haunt for pre-game drinks right near the Curva Nord.
- Café del Tasso (Piazza Vecchia, Città Alta) – For visitors wanting a scenic aperitivo.
Tips:
- Bergamo is known for its craft beer and hearty cuisine.
- Try polenta taragna or casoncelli alla bergamasca if you have time for a full meal.
Matchday Atmosphere
- Curva Nord leads the chants – expect flags, smoke, and loud singing throughout.
- Fans are friendly but intensely passionate – respect the Curva culture.
- Be prepared for tight entry checks and arrive early.
