Date: August 1, 2020
Time: 14:45 EST
We’ve finally made it! After a season that seemed to last an eternity, from a firecracker of an opener against SPAL to this weekend’s match-up against Inter, Serie A 2019/2020 is finally coming to a close. And what better way to finish off the campaign than playing the one club standing in the way of 2nd place, and Atalanta’s best ever finish in a Serie A season.
By the time Atalanta and Inter squared off in their first match-up, San Siro had already become La Dea’s second home, and boy did they act like it taking control of the game against the Nerrazzurri. A blatantly obvious missed penalty shout, and a rare penalty miss by Luis Muriel were the only things that stood in the way of breaking the tie between the clubs, and sadly La Dea had to settle for a 1-1 draw.
While Inter may have floundered the opportunity to win their first Scudetto since the Mourinho era, they have played extremely well as of late winning 4 of their last 6 games, including a dominant performance against Napoli midweek. However, as the return since COVID has shown us (to use a baseball analogy) you’re only as hot as your next starting pitcher. So many unique factors from managing playing time, to hot summer weather, to fatigue, to preparing for European fixtures all throw a curveball into how a team plays not just from match to match, but even from half to half.
Perfect example, Atalanta were dead against Parma on Tuesday in the first half, but came out like gangbusters for the second 45 minutes and pulled through with a victory that they really didn’t deserve. So is the state of affairs of Serie A right now. It’s a crawl to the finish line in brutal July heat, and you take 3 points any way you can get them. And while Saturday’s contest isn’t the most important 3 points of the year, it’s certainly up there. Atalanta can clinch 2nd place only with a victory over Inter, and even risk dropping to 4th if they cannot win, and Lazio are able to overcome Napoli on the road. But at the end of the day, getting 2nd place isn’t paramount (if you ain’t first you’re last), Atalanta made themselves a must watch on the international scene and have won the hearts of so many neutrals this year with their aggressive offensive football.
So in the end all I ask for is Atalanta to give their all, as they do every game; PLUS 2 goals. 100 Serie A goals on the season would be incredible, and cement the Atalanta as one of the most exciting Serie A teams in recent memory. Thanks for everything this year La Dea, the season has been a joy to watch, and here’s to many more goals, and perhaps a real push for the Scudetto next year! As always, Forza Atalanta!
