The audacity to try back heel after back heel would by some be called insanity. But Gianluca Scamacca knows better. Why not try for the audacious when the tried and true Atalanta secondary option would be recycled possession and dispy-doodling around the box for possession to eventually fizzle out? Scamacca knows greatness happens on the fringes and he’s always pushing to see beyond the horizon.
Scamacca’s wonder goal against Empoli encapsulates the mercurial attitude of Atalanta’s striker. Flair gushing out of his nostrils – you’re absolutely built differently if you have zero issue plastering tattoos up and down your neck. In fact, give me the over on 50% of his body be covered by ink. It takes a certain kind of personality to take teams to the next level, being unashamed of the process chosen to forge the path to get you there. Scamacca has “that”. Something Atalanta hasn’t had since Josip Ilicic and Papu Gomez were wrecking defenses for fun.
With four goals to his name so far this season, Scamacca’s two braces were the result of sheer dominance of the opposition. Sure there have been games in which he has looked lost – look to the Lazio match – but there shouldn’t be any doubt about how Atalanta handles the lesser opponents that have frequently and effectively neutralized Atalanta down to a draw. Scamacca presents defenses the ultimate wildcard. His raison-de-etre is unpredictable, and he has the grace and technique to pull off any shot – making it look simple in the process.
Standing second in the league in goals per 90 minutes (behind this week’s opponent Lautaro Martinez), Scamacca now has to answer the question of whether he’s able to carry Atalanta’s offense fully on his back. It should be unsurprising that he can couple his strength and grace against the likes of Marco Calderoni and Sebastian Walukiewicz, but can his flair shine through when lining up against Francesco Acerbi and Alessandro Bastoni? That his next test, one he’s surely licking his lips to not just pass, but ace.
Because, again, Gianluca Scamacca doesn’t care what you think. He eschewed conventional football team hierarchy, snubbing both Inter and Roma, for the chance to lead the line at Atalanta. Sure, La Dea played its part in paying him handsomely, but the Roman saw some different rather than following the cookie cutter path of working his way up the “Big Club” football mountain to choose one of Italy’s metropolis clubs. It speaks to him following the path of his own drummer and the self confidence that his way is the right way.
For Atalanta, the club also has to buy into what Scamacca is proposing. Such confidence can lead to glory or destruction, and for once Gianpiero Gasperini may not be the loudest presence in Bergamo. Only time will tell if Atalanta is truly on an ascent. If Scamacca can keep his fitness, confidence is high that Atalanta can reach levels it only attained with Papu Gomez marshalling the squad. But I’m on board! I’m willing to follow him into the most confusing of places, and I’m game for every back heel, cross field pass, and rainbow flick he wants to try. Taking a few risks will be the best way for this team to break through and find its best self, and undoubtedly Scamacca will be unwavering in taking the risks Gasperini needs him to. So hop aboard steam engine #90, I’m not sure where the destination is, but I think I’ll like it! As always, Forza Dea!
