Atalanta with the same ambitions as last season
Coach Gigi Del Neri has earned himself a new contract in Bergamo, his team has pushed some fine, attacking football and, interestingly enough, was one of the most efficient hosts in the league. The Orobici are traditionally a real garden of young, promising players, but also a great place for those same players to make a name in soccer world. They have managed to make an ideal symbiosis of youth and experience, the team is a year older and this should be an easier one than the last. They weren't afraid of the relegation last year, that is true, in one point it even seemed that the Bergamaschi will fight for Europe, but the injuries of their key players and bad away form have prevented them from making the better score. At the time they realized they were in safe waters, team had relaxed and Del Neri already started planning for the next year. Ninth seat and the golden middle were great epilogue. It was evident they didn't want Intertoto Cup which would compromise their form and championship chances with the early start of the season.
Couple of experienced lads left the club
Langella and Carozzieri have accepted the offers from financial giants and it will be a blow for Bergamo side. The two meant a lot, Carozzieri in defense while Langella was the base of Del Neri's model of 4-3-3 formation. Let's add the departure of excellent midfielder Tissone , so we can say the team lost a man in each line, except the attack. The club didn't waste time, one of the most talented midfielders in Italy, Luca Cigarini, has arrived from Parma. This boy is referred as the next Pirlo and could be the vital addition to the squad. Also, Bobo Vieri's return is worth mentioning, and despite fans have boycotted, he will only be an alternative for the last season's miracle, Floccari. Players like Garics, Valdes, super-talented, Cerci, will sharpen the competition inside the team…it appears Atalanta are the same strength they were last season. Skipper, Doni, stayed, team's legend that build up all the play in the offense.
In
Valdes (Lecce), Consigli(Rimini), Cigarini(Parma), Garics(Napoli), Vieri(Fiorentina), Cerci(Roma)
Out
Simone Inzaghi, Tissone, Carozzierri, Langella, Muslimovic, and Forsythe.
Our tip
Mid-table should be top reach for Atalanta, fans are a bit more optimistic, but Del Neri will not give up his concept of attacking play for a goal more. It usually brings result with weaker teams at home which guarantees that Orobici will not end up in relegation battle. They seem to be lacking a few experienced players in defense and better away performances for higher range. Comunale in Bergamo will once again be an impenetrable fortress and Vieri and Doni's experience might bring better away results despite their undergoing age. At this time, Atalanta is also without enough finances for Europe, they are hoping for the peaceful season in the middle of the standings. A couple of extra additions to defense line would mean a lot tot the team, but it's a problem to find something like that on the market…Sesta from Avelino and Pulzeti from Livorno are being mentioned, but we don't believe these two could influence our predictions.
Our tip: Atalanta to score more than Torino
Odds 1.40
Bookmaker: Bet365
CL
CLQ
UEFA
RELEG
