Another 5 goals, 3 points, and joint leaders at the top of table; just another day at the office so far for Atalanta this year. If it weren’t for some Alessio Cragno heroics, La Dea were poised to net 7 or 8, but let’s not get greedy. Atalanta are already the talk of the town in Serie A, and rightfully so. 13 goals across 3 games, with everyone clicking on all cylinders, and Atalanta look as close to invincible as a team can right now. So in honor of today’s 5 goals, here’s my 5 biggest takeaways from the Cagliari match.
5. All the attack is getting on the scoresheet now- Muriel, Zapata, Papu, Pasalic, and Lammers all scored today, and each goal possessed the unique quality each player brings to the attack. Muriel- pace, Zapata- strength, Papu- precision curlers, Pasalic- well timed runs and positioning, Lammers- glorious Dutch technique. Each player is doing what he does best now, and an opposition cannot plan to focus on one guy. Focus on Zapata, the wingers hit you, focus on the wingers, Duvan or Muriel gets space in the box. It’s an offensive embarrassment of riches right now, just got to keep it going and the confidence high.
4. Romero looks like a Gasperini defender- Everyone knows that centerbacks in Gasperini’s system are extremely hit or miss. Kjaer and Ibanez couldn’t make it last year, and both are now thriving at Milan and Roma respectively. But fortunately, it looks like the Argentine Cristian Romero is ready to fit right in. He has no issue following through on a man-marking assignment, and he throws his body around like it’s a rental car. I shudder that he’ll still make some crazy mistakes, but when all is said and done, he’s relentless, pacy, and already looks comfortable in the system. Poor Caldara may only see garbage minutes now going forward.
3. How are Ilicic and Miranchuk Going to Get Back in the Thick of Things- If it ain’t broke don’t fix it. Its crazy to think Atalanta has done this so far without one of their most talented players and their biggest offensive offseason signing. As I think more about it, does working Ilicic and Miranchuk back into the lineup mess with the mojo? A part of me is still worried that Ilicic is in the twilight of his time with the club, and Gasperini is doing what he can to develop an offense that works without Josip. I hope I’m wrong, but Atalanta have shown that a team without a left-footed trequartista can still be successful. I’ve especially been positively surprised about the 2 striker setup with Zapata and Muriel feeding off each other, and now with Lammers in the mix, perhaps going with two legit strikers is the way Gasperini is gonna go.
2. Lammers Could End Up Being the Steal of the Season- I won’t lie, I was a little suspicious about Lammers, especially with where and how he would fit on the pitch. But after today’s goal, he truly demonstrated the type of prospect he have on our hands. The footwork, and blasted weak-footed shot to score his first Atalanta goal was a thing of beauty, and a goal I’ve already watched 20+ times; I was in awe. People are throwing around silly Van Basten comparisons already, which is unfair; but, I legitimately think he have a player on our hands who can do a little of everything up front. Add a little strength as he gets older, and he can become Duvan with touch and technique.
- Atalanta can now seriously thinking about challenging for the Scudetto- It’s still a longshot and perhaps a pipe dream, but Atalanta has shown they’re a team no one wants to play. Offensively they’re dynamite, Hateboer and Gosens are the best wing combo in Serie A, de Roon and Freuler are a perfect double pivot, and even the defense is finding its rhythm with the inclusion of Romero and Palomino playing well. I’m not a prediction guy, but if 10% of the season can give any indication of what’s to come; Inter, Juve, and Napoli are gonna have their hands full, and I can’t wait to see comes next. As always, Forza Atalanta!!!
