Atalanta vs Udinese 4-2 (1979)

Lore & Background

Atalanta was founded on 17 October 1907 by Eugenio Urio, Giulio and Ferruccio Amati, Alessandro Forlini, and Giovanni Roberti, and named after the Greek mythological athlete. The club merged with Bergamasca in 1920, combining their colors into the current black and blue. Atalanta reached Serie A for the first time in 1937 and enjoyed nearly three decades in the top flight from 1940 to 1969. The club experienced movements between divisions, including one season in Serie C in 1981–82, and qualified for UEFA competitions between 1987 and 1990 under Emiliano Mondonico. Under Gian Piero Gasperini from 2017 to 2025, Atalanta achieved its best league finishes and participated in the UEFA Champions League and Europa League.

In Their Own Story

The floodlights hummed above the pitch on a crisp evening in Bergamo. The air smelled of damp grass and anticipation as the crowd packed into the stands. When the whistle blew, the blue and black stripes surged forward immediately. Every tackle echoed through the stadium, every pass met with a roar from the curva. It was more than just ninety minutes; it was a statement of intent for the city.

Reader's Guide

Atalanta plays its home matches at the Gewiss Stadium, which it has used since 1928. The club currently competes in Serie A. Its major trophies are the Coppa Italia (1963) and the Europa League (2024). The club has also reached the Coppa Italia final in 1987, 1996, 2019, 2021, and 2024, and participated in UEFA competitions in eleven seasons total. Prior to winning the Europa League, its best European finishes were the Champions League quarterfinals in 2020 and the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup semifinals in 1988.

Did You Know?

• Atalanta has spent the most seasons in Serie A of any Italian club not based in a regional capital.
• The club's first European qualification was for the UEFA Cup in 1987–88.
• Atalanta won the Coppa Italia in 1963 and the Europa League in 2024.