Last season, the queens of provincial clubs were crowned Europa League winners. Despite this achievement, Atalanta have seldom been mentioned alongside Italy's traditional football giants. The Bergamo side, with only one domestic trophy to their name before their stunning victory over Bayer Leverkusen in Dublin, boasts a rich history of notable players.
I’ve chosen an offensive-minded lineup featuring players from three different eras, blending skill and flair. This includes two forwards from the Gian Piero Gasperini era, known for their tactical rigor. A local hero, he debuted for Atalanta at 18 and retired 23 years later at his hometown club. Despite his relatively short stature (5ft 9in), his instinctive shot-stopping and fearless attitude made him a legend. He played a crucial role in Atalanta’s 1963 Coppa Italia victory over Torino, earning him the No 1 spot in my team for his loyalty and contributions.
Another iconic figure is the Swede with flowing blonde locks, fondly remembered as Il Capitano by Atalanta fans. Despite enduring taunts about his appearance, he became an idol, even compared to the goddess in the club’s logo. A skilled and strong-running midfielder, he was versatile enough to play as a sweeper. He wore the black and blue shirt 219 times, scoring 18 goals, and settled in Bergamo post-retirement. He was part of the team that lost to Diego Maradona’s Napoli in the 1987 Coppa Italia final but stayed with Atalanta through their European Cup Winners’ Cup semi-final run and subsequent promotion.
Gómez was the key figure in the early stages of Gasperini’s revolution. A magical provider and deadly goalscorer, he was instrumental in upsetting the football hierarchy. Though he left the club on bad terms, his creative vision and ability to set up teammates or score spectacular goals make him indispensable in my five-a-side team.
At his peak, the Slovenian Ilicic was a wonder to watch, curling in sublime goals from unlikely angles. His dribbling skills and comfort with either foot make him a perfect fit for an ultra-attacking lineup. After spells at Palermo and Fiorentina, he thrived at Atalanta, registering double-figure goal tallies in his first three seasons under Gasperini.
Lastly, Caniggia, the unique Argentine striker, brings speed and flair to the team. Though not the most prolific scorer, his ability to shift gears and leave defenders behind makes him a valuable asset. He was Atalanta’s top scorer when they finished seventh in the 1989-90 Serie A and helped the club gain promotion back to the top flight in his later years.
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