The Euros have been nothing but good for Italy. Gli Azzurri have taken nine points, conceded zero goals, and look like serious contenders to challenge for the European crown. Even the non-Italians currently playing in Serie A are storming the competition. Goals galore from the likes of Juventus, Inter, Lazio, our own Dea, and even Sampdoria continue to illustrate the quality and competition that exists and will continue to do so in future Scudetto challenges.
Still, even with Serie A’s impressive display, few clubs have been as impressive as Atalanta in the groups. With nine players representing eight different countries, La Dea’s own have had ample opportunities to contribute to their country’s success. And boy have they! With four goals, three assists to go with an average Sofa Score rating of 7.1 out of 10, Atalanta players continue to buck the old narrative that they are system guys that cannot perform out of Gasperini’s set-up – that theory is still almost as foolish as thinking that three rounds of matches can confirm the opposite! Nevertheless, watching Atalantini perform on the highest stage is still nothing sort of extraordinary. So let’s sit back and revel in La Dea’s success, and look at three players in particular!
Robin Gosens
Robin Gosens straight up won the match for Germany against Portugal. With a goal, one assist, a disallowed goal, and an own-goal assist – Gosens embarrassed Samedo and the Portuguese defense and proved he is an offensive-weapon outside of Italy. And now it seems the usual suspects calling up his agent again (cough cough go away Barca). Any watcher of Serie A will know that Gosens has been doing this for several years, but it’s funny watching the rest of Europe watch in shock at his offensive displays. The Kimmich to Gosens connection is just as fun to watch as the Hateboer to Gosens variety, and should be Germany’s main offensive outlet in more open matches to come. Hungary contained Gosens better, given it’s low block setup, but in a more open match against the likes of England, Gosens could have more space to run wild again.
Ruslan Malinovskyi
Malinovskyi’s performance has been more of a what could’ve been. His attacking demeanor was on full display with a brilliant assist off a set-piece, and nearly a stormer of another goal of a free kick nearly at the corner flag. Although he missed a penalty, more nimble and heady strikers would’ve netted him a few more assists and potential avoidance of the third place danger zone. While Ukraine has advanced, Shevchenko needs to insert Malinovskyi back to the middle of the pitch where he’s able to see the match and dictate it more effectively. Being neutralized on the wing against Austria didn’t do him any favors, and for Ukraine to do any serious damage in the knockouts will require a seriously in form Malinovskyi to set the tone for his country.
Joakim Maehle
What a tumultuous tournament for Denmark. Christian Eriksen’s horrifying collapse put Denmark in a seemingly hopeless situation that had the club’s mind in more appropriate places than competition on the football pitch. However, the Danes stood strong and with a little luck were able to eek out of their group with only three points on the back of a thrilling 4-1 victory over Russia. And again, we’re back on the left wing with Joakim Maehle. Besides his well taken goal against Russia, Maehle’s constant output on the left for a club without an appropriate left-back was sorely needed. And he came through in spades. While he didn’t score or assist until the final match, he did wonders against Belgium and looks to have entrenched himself as a lock for Denmark’s future starting XI. Being the neutrals pick for the tourney, I can’t wait to see what Maehle and Denmark have in store – especially if the boys continue to play like they did against Russia.
There’s more I couldn’t even get to, a great testament to La Dea’s performance so far. Brilliant goals from Pessina and Miranchuk (who scored Atalanta’s first goal in the Euros in 30 years), plus steady midfield play from de Roon to Freuler has to have everyone in Bergamo doing dances. As the competition gets stronger, and the matches become more important – let us hope that Atalanta consistent play continues on. Eight of the nine Atalantini have the fortune to contest in the knockouts, and even more opportunities to represent Atalanta as the summer wears on! A great first round, let’s keep it going, Forza Dea!!!
