The meeting between Atalanta and Bologna tells the story of two clubs who are dreaming big. The technical work, secrets of the market, club management: these are the most significant aspects of the two sides on the rise.

In football, just like in life, there’s a time for anything. Atalanta and Bologna know this very well: two realities that they have known to expect. Seeing the others win, wondering how they can possibly reach this level, making the most of their own resources, trying to reach the stars without playing the part of the passing Cinderella.

Football moves forward, it is evolving and requiring even more. Budgets, resources, structures, merchandising, visibility: the big European sides have learnt how to unite all of these aspects to create a working mechanism. Between a fortunate project and a less successful one, the cycle repeats itself at the end of every cycle and the chance to start again is always around the corner. There are, however, other ways, new paths. It’s a bit like when a mountaineer decides to open a new mountain path, scaling the near inaccessible path. It requires preparation, of course, but also an audacity, because, if you don’t try, you’ll never know. And if the endeavour is successful, others can try, courage is often contagious.

FROM THE YEARS OF PAPU TO THE EUROPA LEAGUE FINAL

Riding the wave for nearly a decade, Atalanta have earned the status of a top club, and it would seem strange to not consider them as one. Football has been in the air in Bergamo for a lifetime, the recent leap in quality is something which has never been tasted before. A dimension which has come from wise, careful and thoughtful choices, from leaders at the helm who have had the merit of being able to navigate unexplored waters.

The management of the Percassi family has allowed the city to raise the bar, and the transformation took place without proclamations, using the harmony and perfect connections that were formed. The first Atalanta - of the 2016/17 season -  was a pleasant surprise: Gasperini put together a mix of up and coming Italians (including Spinazzola, Caldara, Conti and Gagliardini), leading the team under the star of Papu Gómez, who would show all of his talent for the Nerazzurri. From fourth place at the end of the season, the team moved on to success in the following campaigns. Serie A saw the birth of a new contender at the top, and Europe began to take notice of Gasperini’s Atalanta. In 2020, their Champions League journey came to an end at the hands of PSG, just steps away from the semi-final, with the magic of Iličić at Mestalla in Valencia still vivid in everyone’s memory.

The following year, a needed phase of renewal began to take shape. New players arrived, some veteran leaders left, but the tune stayed the same. Atalanta invested, made smart moves in the market, generated returns and acted like a time that didn’t need to wait any longer. The next cycle was the natural consequence of a well oiled machine moving forward effortlessly. The pinnacle, of course, was the night in Dublin last May: a 3-0 win over an invincible Bayer Leverkusen team and the Europa League as a reward for a story rich with lessons.
 

UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF GASP

Atalanta’s formula is both simple and secret. It’s difficult to replicate and in some ways, obsessive.

Gian Piero Gasperini is certainly the key ingredient. He is someone who arrived in the right place at the right time and someone who was able to draw on his wealth of Serie A experience to establish, in Zingona, a foundation from which these successful years have been built. “Gasp” has never changed his style: during his time at Genoa, he left clear marks of his footballing style - built on athleticism, tactical sharpness, duels all over the pitch and a determination to dominate play. In Bergamo, he initially surrounded himself with pragmatic players, and then tailored his system to fit a new flurry of players. Direct, outspoken, hungry and fierce - Gasperini has always been like this. It’s clear that his work will be passed on as a blueprint for others to take inspiration from.

THE BERGAMO STRUCTURE: FROM THE ACADEMY TO THE MARKET

As mentioned previously, the Percassi family is the other secret of the Dea’s success. The new stadium (Gewiss Stadium) is a small jewel which can be seen as a reward for the good management of the club throughout the years. From Antonio Percassi (President of the Club since 2010) to his son Luca (CEO), Atalanta have flourished. The club’s triumphs are certainly most visible through the first teams, but it’s the work behind the scenes which has often ensured the club’s longevity. The youth sector has always been held in high regard, and the Under 23 team, which was established two years ago, now serves as a source of talent. The technical staff have been chosen with care, as the club has entrusted its growth to skilled and competent individuals.

From Giovanni Sartori to Tony D’Amico, the handover of the sporting director role in 2022 marked a change in name, but in reality the Percassi family has always had a clear roadmap for building the brand. Careful investments, precise timing with transfers and sales at the right moment have gone a long way in sustaining the structure of the club. The Nerazzurri follow their own path which is no longer dictated by that of other clubs. Atalanta shines in its own light.

BOLOGNA IN BERGAMO TO CONTINUE RISING

There are those who call them the new Atalanta, but Bologna are completely different in reality, a sign from the future which will force everyone to raise their game.

There are similarities between Bergamo and Bologna: both cities are beautiful and rich in art and culture; both home to passionate fanbases with a shared ambition. Before this cycle, Atalanta had only won one Coppa Italia (in the 1962/63 season) and had dreamt of competing with the big side. The Rossoblù, on the other hand, had won seven Scudetti and spent a long time hoping to relive the glory of the 1930’s and 1960’s.

Having already faced each other in 2025 in the Coppa Italia Frecciarossa , Atalanta and Bologna will face each other again on Sunday 13 April in the lunchtime fixture, with just a single point separating them in the fight for the Champions League spots. Bologna have won their last two matches against Atalanta in the Serie, but this won’t be a do or die scenario. However, there’s still a feeling within the Rossoblù camp that this moment really matters.

FROM A DREAM TO REALITY: THE RISE OF THE NEW BOLOGNA

There’s a feeling that, in recent seasons, the balance between the two sides has not been like this, a sense that what seemed like a nice story last year is now something much more concrete. Bologna have weathered the storm of popularity: with the departure of young stars (such as Riccardo Calafiori and Joshua Zirkzee) and Coach Thiago Motta, to come into this clash at the Gewiss Stadium. Throughout the city (and further afield), there is a belief that this is a starting point and not the end of the journey.

The Champions League qualification was deserved and proved that the team were worthy of being there. After an early stumble out of the blocks in Europe, Bologna finished the 2024/25 League Phase by drawing at both Benfica and Sporting CP, also beating Borussia Dortmund at the Dall’Ara. From that moment, Vincenzo Italiano has carefully planned the side’s resurgence by using the depth of the squad to balance a Serie A comeback with the Coppa Italia Frecciarossa campaign.

CLEAR IDENTITIES AND INVESTING IN THE YOUTH

The team’s strength lies in its depth. Bologna have used flexibility as their weapon. Game time is spread out, lineups are adjusted depending on the opponent and this unpredictability has meant that rivals are left guessing. Bologna have mounted many comebacks in the second half of the season, evidencing the quality on the bench and the ability to turn games around.

Tangible enthusiasm around the club has allowed for younger players to step into the spotlight. Santiago Castro has stepped into Zirkzee’s shoes as the Argentine has proved pivotal with his decisive goals. Nicolás Domínguez, Giovanni Fabbian and the resurgence of Nicolò Cambiaghi are further proof of the healthy environment that the club has fostered. Bologna have the fourth best attack in the league, with 51 goals scored: less than Lazio (52), Atalanta (63) and Inter (69).

SARTORI-ITALIANO, THE CROWN JEWELS

It takes time, the same time that Giovanni Sartori needed to make his mark at Bologna, which wasn’t very long at all. Following his arrival to the club in 2022, he immediately got the ball rolling. The conditions were perfect, thanks to Joey Saputo, an ambitious President with a clear and strategic vision. In Sartori’s first season as technical director, Bologna finished ninth. The breakthrough year followed leading to Champions League qualification. But, with that achievement, perhaps the most difficult task followed, building consistency.  

Bologna bid farewell to some of their brightest stars in the summer, but managed to keep hold of the spine of the squad, which proved essential when attempting to reassert themselves. The work in the transfer market was smart, it focussed on filling gaps in the squad to provide the Coach with good starting players and capable back-up players in every position. The plan paid off and then Vincenzo Italiano came along. The next phase of the plan was underway. The results confirmed the strength and quality of the project, and the approach this season fits into Bologna’s broader vision - a durable one.

It’s worth enjoying the moment. Time will tell in terms of what comes next for Atalanta and Bologna, two clubs who are examples for the present and future of doing Italian football right. For now though, it’s time to let the pitch do the talking.

(Photo Getty Images)

Atalanta Bologna Serie A